Patriots cornerback confirms defense was frustrated during the 2023 season

It's no secret that the Patriots offense has been difficult to watch over the last two seasons, and it became increasingly difficult for fans and the media not to share their disappointment on a weekly basis. Because of that, it would be unfair to expect the defense not to feel the same, especially since they have been the dominant side of the team for the last handful of years.

Reports alleged last season that tensions were rising in the locker room every week, even more so after games where the defense held the opponents to ten points or less, yet the Patriots still lost. Although they assured everyone no such thing was happening behind the scenes, it's hard to imagine it didn't become a topic amongst teammates at some point during a very unappealing 2023 season.

Typically, those types of rumors remain just that. However, now that we're in the midst of the offseason, which started with Bill Belichick's departure from the team after 24 years, some players, including cornerback Jonathan Jones, are becoming a bit more candid when speaking to reporters.

The Patriots veteran was in Las Vegas this week for the leadup to Super Bowl LVIII, making the rounds on radio row, and stopped by 98.5 The Sports Hub's "Zolak and Bertrand" on Thursday.

The most revealing part of the conversation came when Jones was asked to confirm speculation that the defense was growing frustrated with the offense's lack of contributions on game day. While answering the question as honestly as possible, Jones equated the situation to feeling like you're in a one-sided marriage, where only one person is doing all the work.

His comparison feels spot on and totally warranted, especially considering how tough the defense played even after losing its two best players, Christian Gonzalez and Matthew Judon, in Week 4. They are a big reason why the team was able to win some late-season games and will remain the backbone of the team for years to come.

Hopefully, Jerod Mayo and Co. will make the right moves this offseason to put them in a better position next year by bringing in top talent on the offensive line, receiving corps, and determining the best solution to their continuous quarterback issue.

They have too much money to spend in free agency and great opportunities in the draft to improve the roster to be wasted.

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