Sooner or later we all find ourselves at the bottom of the standings late into a season.
That is certainly the case in New England.
Perhaps you’ve noticed your Patriots fan of a certain age acting differently lately.
Maybe they’re having difficulty adjusting to life at 2-11.
These behaviors are perfectly natural in a situation such as the one they’re going through.
So presented here are some guidelines you may find helpful.
Remember that change can be difficult.
Soon they found themselves in a popular culture of Rock ‘n Roll and television and they felt left behind.
Your Patriots fan has enjoyed two decades of Bill Belichick and Tom Brady.
It’s been 3/12 years since the latter left.
And it feels increasingly certain the former will be gone soon as well.
Especially when the ones being replaced are the GOATs of their chosen fields.
Be patient with them.
Facing all this is change can be more than just an adjustment.
It can be frightening.
You may find your Pats fan on Twitter reposting videos of great Brady comebacks more than they used to.
Or telling more and more stories of great moments from the Dynasty.
Doing so on special anniversaries is particularly common.
You may hear things like “November 30th?
If they didn’t win that game, they wouldn’t have had home field in the playoffs!”
Which they made and kept the unbeaten season going!
I’ll never forget the look on Don Shula’s face in the Ravens’ owner’s box.
Boy oh boy, was that something!"
So do the best you’re free to.
Gently remind them that change is not only inevitable, it can be the best of things.
There is often extreme comfort in such things, even as they become outdated and obsolete.
In extreme cases, this can lead to Scheme Hoarding.
That the game evolves.
A good way to approach this is to show them some of the best teams in the league.
Stress the importance of pure athleticism.
This will help them envision a whole new way of roster building.
One that reflects the current state of pro football.
You’ll likely hear some protest.
Some version of “Quarterbacks make receivers, not the other way around.”
But the days of building your passing attack around undrafted and late round slot receivers is over.
It died with Julian Edelman’s retirement.
For too long, the Patriots have been dependent on their system to get receivers open.
And it obviously worked.
But remind your loved one that by no means was it perfect.
Far too many gifted receivers were brought in here who couldn’t hack it in this scheme.
Instill hope for a bright and glorious future.
Explain that the Dynasty has had a hell of a run.
But this is not the only way for a franchise to succeed.
With high draft picks in every round.
Some generational talent at QB and WR.
With the second most salary cap space in the league for 2024 and the most in 2025.
Now could be the exact right time to bring in fresh blood.
A bold new vision for roster building and scheme, more adapted to the current state of the NFL.
Best wishes to you and all the Patriots fans.
I hope this handy guide will help.
I certainly hope my family reads it and uses it on me.
I need all the help I can get.
