Patriots veteran diagnoses biggest problem the team has faced this year

Although the Patriots weren't expected to be very successful during the 2024 season, given their circumstances, their year seems to have gone far worse than most anticipated. The problems seem to go beyond what we see on game day, as the coaching staff continues to be under a microscope each week and subject to much scrutiny as the losses pile up.

The concerns have extended all the way to the top, with Robert Kraft being dragged into the mud for his decisions this past offseason, which led to what we've seen unfold this year. But the players aren't relieved of their blame despite the staff taking most of the heat.

That became even more apparent after their last loss to the Dolphins, as reports suggested the locker room was filled with players who didn't seem upset about the loss. Names weren't mentioned nor was there video, but it certainly painted the team in a bad light, which had some players speak out about the issue in the days that followed.

Now that the Patriots have a 3-10 record, some of the seasoned veterans are taking more responsibility for their impact on the team's overall functioning, on and off the field. It's interesting to hear what they have to say about it all, especially regarding things fans and reporters don't get to see.

Joe Cardona takes responsibility for how the Patriots have fared in 2024

One of the most important things for any new regime is to establish the right culture and have the players on board with the direction they're going in. That was crucial for Jerod Mayo in his first year as a head coach, especially as the successor to Bill Belichick, who historically ran a tight ship.

The decision to be more laid back and considered a player's coach hasn't sat well with many throughout the season, which some believe is the reason why the season has progressed the way it has, and Joe Cardona didn't hide that the captains are partly to blame for that.

He's not the first to mention the need for veterans to step up and lead by example, as Kendrick Bourne spoke about a similar matter earlier in the season. But as someone who has been on the team for ten years, experiencing a lot of winning and Super Bowl runs, Cardona has been on some tight teams, so if he's saying something is off this year, it probably is.

“The ultimate goal is the outcomes week in and week out. But it’s also about developing a team, developing a culture. I’ve been a part of a lot of wins in this organization, and I fully believe that our role as captains is to spread the message that Jerod is portraying to the team. Ultimately, as a captain, you have to take responsibility for the shortcomings and what happens on the field.

It’s a lesson in leadership for us all. But I’m constantly appreciative and impressed by my teammates coming to work week in and week out, the perseverance and just the overall motivation.”

Diagnosing the issues that they've dealt with this year isn't difficult, and there is certainly a need for adjustments to be made this offseason, especially for one reason Cardona mentioned. Finding players who buy into what the Patriots are doing and what they hope to accomplish in the future will put them back on the path to success with the new regime.

It's imperative that they have a roster that is all on the same page, which has been a cause for concern on a number of occasions this season. So, it will need to be a priority this offseason.

With guys like Cardona on the team and even coaches like Dont'a Hightower and Matthew Slater, it should be easy to establish the new culture in New England. It's fair to give some leniency this year since it is the first season without Belichick. However, if the same issues are present in 2025, more diagnoses might be needed.

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