Robert Kraft has low expectations for the Patriots in 2023
Patriots
“I think the chemistry is right. This is also a young team.”
Robert Kraft hopes the Patriots will start the 2023 season. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
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Rhamondre Stevenson should reportedly be ready to play in Week 1 after missing practice on Friday
The Patriots find themselves in a rare spot in Robert Kraft’s 30-year tenure heading into the 2023 season.
New England is projected to be the favorite to finish last in the AFC East in the new season. It also has its worst odds of winning the Super Bowl since Bill Belichick became its head coach in 2000, further solidifying its underdog status.
While Kraft has certainly had a lot of success in his time as Patriots owner, he is fine with the label some have given his team heading into the 2023 season. He’s also optimistic the Patriots will prove them wrong.
“I kind of like that people are voting us fourth in the division,” Kraft told reporters Thursday at a ceremony unveiling completed renovations to Gillette Stadium.
The Patriots are coming off their second losing season in the three years since Tom Brady left the organization, going 8-9 and missing the playoffs in 2022. But they haven’t finished last in the AFC East since 2000.
However, it appears to be a real possibility that could change this season. They finished last season in the AFC East behind the Bills and Dolphins, with both teams expected to contend for the playoffs again. Additionally, the Jets signed four-time MVP Aaron Rodgers to address their quarterback woes as they finished just one game behind the Patriots with one of the league’s best defenses.
Still, Kraft remains focused on his team and is optimistic about the group. He praised Mac Jones several times during the offseason and called the hiring of Bill O’Brien as the team’s offensive coordinator several months ago an “excellent choice.”
He reiterated that optimism on Thursday.
“I think the chemistry is right,” said Kraft. “This is also a young team. I think this is perhaps one of the youngest teams. Trainer [Bill Belichick] overall did a good job. I think Bill O’Brien came here and worked with Mac – they seem to have great chemistry. I’m really excited about the team.”
Kraft’s optimism will be tested in week one when the Patriots host the Eagles, who are considered four-point underdogs in Sunday’s game starting Friday.
“We’re playing the team that ended up coming within three points of winning the Super Bowl,” Kraft said of the Patriots’ Week 1 opponent. “Their defensive line is outstanding, their entire team. We have our hands full. Fingers crossed.”
Even though Kraft knows the Patriots face a tough test this season, that changes his expectations. He said in March that it was “very important” that the Patriots return to the playoffs this season.
With Brady back at Gillette Stadium on Sunday, those expectations haven’t changed as Kraft hopes to get a taste of those glory days.
“In the end we want to win,” said Kraft.
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