Coming out of their Week 14 bye, there was some optimism that the Patriots would be a refreshed team who learned from their season-long mistakes and would put together one of their better performances against the Cardinals on the road. Although it was a lot to ask for, since their consistent mistakes began in Week 1, the bye week felt like it could be a fresh start to end the season on a high note.
Unfortunately, it was clear from the start of the game in Glendale that that wasn't the case, and it was going to be a long day for the Patriots in all aspects of the game.
The defense couldn't stop a nosebleed, and when they got close, a penalty negated the positive production they had managed to accomplish. The offense was a problem from the beginning of the game, minus quarterback Drake Maye, and the playcalling became the topic of discussion.
It was the hottest of all after live cameras showed owners Jonathan and Robert Kraft expressing their frustration over the struggling offense, which seemed to put offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt in the hottest of seats among the coaching staff.
It doesn't appear that the Krafts have spoken to Alex Van Pelt about viral video from Cardinals game
While meeting with reporters on Thursday, Van Pelt was asked about the now-viral video, but he didn't have much to say about what the owners are believed to have said. In fact, his response implied they hadn't spoken about it in the days since.
“I know Jonathan was upset and that came out. There was nobody more pissed off than I was, I promise you that. Would I call that play again in that situation? Probably. We needed half a yard. We called a similar play at the goal line in the Jets game to win it. That’s an attitude play. That’s a move guys off the ball, two lead blockers for a good running back play. Unfortunately it didn’t work out, and that was a big swing in that game.”
Considering how big of a deal it was to see the Krafts trash the offense as the game unfolded, it seems odd that they haven't spoken to Van Pelt about the situation. That could be a bad sign for his future in New England, as rumors continue to suggest the new regime is closer to being on its way out for the 2025 season.
Because the playcalling has been a problem all year, Van Pelt may be the one most at stake to lose their job. However, understanding the importance of keeping some sort of continuity for Maye might make that decision trickier to make.
Regardless, the fact that Jonathan and Robert have not addressed their candid moment caught on camera with the offensive coordinator is troubling, but he doesn't appear too concerned about it.