New England Patriots Internal Problems Continue to Fester

The New England Patriots were in the Super Bowl again, yet there’s been a constant feeling that this organization is on the cusp of imploding.

It began with the explosive piece by ESPN that revealed a sizable rift between the longtime triumvirate of Robert Kraft, Bill Belichick, and Tom Brady. It indicated there was serious tension between the three, particularly Belichick and Kraft and Belichick and Brady. A series of power plays have been executed behind the scenes according to reports. The most telling was Brady nudging Kraft to force Belichick into trading Jimmy Garoppolo.

More than anything though the general feeling is the Belichick style is finally starting to wear everybody out. Brady is no longer as patient with his demanding coaching style as he was 5-10 years ago. The same goes for a number of other veterans on the roster. Michael Girardi of NBC Sports has monitored the situation over the past few months and believes nothing has changed. Belichick has soured on a lot of people, including some of the most important in the building.

Feelings are the dam is about ready to burst in New England

Even as the Patriots machine continues to roll on, the fact is there is a general feeling that the end is approaching. It’s a matter of when and how. By the look of things, it seems the pivot point in this entire situation is Belichick. The players are tired of him but there’s a problem. Those pesky five Super Bowl rings. There is no telling the fallout across New England if Kraft actually fired him. Thus it rests in Belichick’s hands.

Unless he decides to retire anytime soon, the odds are it will be the players who break first. Gronkowski already flirted with retirement following the Super Bowl defeat. He has career prospects already lining up beyond football. Brady is 40 and there’s no telling when his cliff will come. Perhaps there’s an internal desire to prove he can win without the cloud of Belichick hanging over him before he walks away.