FOXBOROUGH, MA – When Robert Kraft addressed the media before the start of the 2023 NFL season, his message was clear and heartfelt: “It’s time. I want us back in the playoffs.” The longtime New England Patriots owner, known for his deep loyalty and belief in the franchise’s legacy, made it clear that a postseason appearance wasn’t just a hope—it was an expectation. But as the team stumbles through the early weeks of the season, that dream is looking increasingly like a fantasy.
After just five weeks, the Patriots sit at a disastrous 1-4 record, a far cry from Kraft’s vision of a playoff resurgence. While the defense has managed to hold its own in spurts, the offense is nothing short of a catastrophe. From sluggish starts to brutal turnovers and missed opportunities, the Patriots’ offense currently ranks near the bottom of nearly every major statistical category in the league.
There’s no sugarcoating it: the numbers are alarming. The Patriots rank 31st in total offense, 30th in scoring, and 28th in third-down conversion percentage. The offensive line looks lost, the quarterback play inconsistent at best, and the play-calling uninspired. Week after week, the frustration has been mounting both inside the locker room and in the stands at Gillette Stadium.
Fans are questioning the future, not just of the season, but of the team’s direction as a whole. Is Mac Jones really the quarterback of the future? Can offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien turn things around fast enough? And how long will Robert Kraft’s patience last if the team doesn’t respond soon?
What stings most is the contrast with the dynasty years. Patriots Nation is used to seeing their team at the top, outsmarting opponents, dominating both sides of the ball, and pulling off dramatic wins. But now, the sideline looks tense, the huddle uncertain, and the swagger that once defined the franchise is nowhere to be found.
In a season where Kraft made it clear that “just competing” wasn’t enough, this rocky start is not only disappointing—it’s borderline unacceptable. And while there’s still time left on the clock for a midseason turnaround, the odds grow slimmer with every loss. The AFC East is more competitive than ever, and the margin for error has effectively disappeared.
For the New England Patriots, this season was supposed to be a return to relevance. Instead, it’s shaping up to be one of the most frustrating in recent memory. Robert Kraft’s wish may have been for the postseason, but unless something drastic changes—and fast—it looks like it’ll remain just that: a wish.