FOXBOROUGH – This might be it.
On Sunday, the Patriots will take on the New York Jets in their regular-season finale. At 4-12, the Patriots have long been eliminated from the playoffs. At this point, the biggest thing to watch for is what happens after this game concludes.
With the Patriots slated to finish in last place in the AFC East for the first time since the 2000 season, it’s been speculated that this could be Bill Belichick’s final game as the head coach of the Patriots.
Belichick is scheduled to meet with owner Robert Kraft on Monday to discuss what went wrong during this past season. We may find out what Kraft plans on doing with his head coach position next week. That’ll mean either Belichick returns with some changes or the Patriots will be looking for a new head coach for the first time since the 2000 offseason.
At this point, it’s unknown what will happen, but the decision on Belichick’s future will be the top storyline of this offseason.
Here are five things to watch when the Patriots take on the New York Jets:
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Draft order
Other than the head coach, the biggest storyline this weekend will be the Patriots draft position. When the regular season concludes on Sunday, the 2024 NFL Draft will have a set order. For the Patriots, that could mean picking as high as No. 2 overall or as low as No. 5.
The Patriots, Washington Commanders, and Arizona Cardinals all have 4-12 records. Washington is currently scheduled to pick second overall due to their strength of schedule (.515). The Patriots are behind them in the No. 3 spot with a .518 strength of schedule. The Cardinals are in the fourth spot (.562 strength of schedule).
If the Patriots lose on Sunday, they can’t pick lower than No. 3. If they win, they could fall to No. 5. For that to happen, the Cardinals, Commanders, and New York Giants would have to lose. The Giants are 5-11 but have the edge in strength of schedule (.511).
The strength of schedule for all the teams will change depending on results around the NFL.
Bill Belichick
All eyes will be on Belichick this Sunday.
After 24 years, this game could be his last as the head coach of the Patriots. After six Super Bowl titles, Belichick is considered the greatest head coach of all time. Patriots fans are certainly appreciative of Belichick and the Patriots coach said on Friday, he’s been appreciative of the opportunity he’s had in New England.
What will happen on Sunday? It’ll be worth watching to see how the crowd reacts to Belichick. Will they chant his name? Will the players be emotional around their head coach? It’ll also be interesting to see how Belichick reacts. He’s historically been stoic and doesn’t show that much emotion. Will that change on Sunday? Will he acknowledge the crowd?
It’ll be interesting.
Snow
The Patriots haven’t had a true snow game in years. That could change this weekend. On Sunday, the forecast calls for a 90% chance of snowfall in Foxborough. The current projection is that the area will get around 10 inches of snow. That’s supposed to start in the early morning hours on Sunday and run through the game time.
It’ll be interesting to see how the elements affect this game. Neither the Patriots nor the Jets are known for having good offenses. The snow could play a major part in this game and could grind both teams to a slower pace, especially considering the Patriots and Jets have good defensive units.
Matthew Slater
Matthew Slater has had a legendary career in the NFL. This weekend, it looks like this will be the last game for the longtime Patriots captain and special teams ace. Although Slater hasn’t announced he’ll retire from the NFL, the 37-year-old said he’s talked to other players such as Tom Brady, Devin McCourty, and Rob Gronkowski on their retirements and life after football.
For 16 years, Slater has provided immense leadership inside Gillette Stadium. He’s a three-time Super Bowl champion, 10-time Pro Bowler and eight-time All-Pro. Slater will one day join the Patriots Hall of Fame and could make his way into the NFL’s Hall of Fame.
We’ll see if Belichick or the Patriots have anything special drawn up for Slater on Sunday.
Bailey Zappe
This weekend could also be the last time Bailey Zappe starts a game for the Patriots. This season, Zappe, who took over for Mac Jones, has given a valiant effort, but his inconsistent play makes it unlikely he’ll be penciled in as a starter next season.
This season, Zappe has played in nine games, making five starts. He’s 2-3 as a starter and heads into this matchup with 1,184 yards to go with six touchdowns and seven interceptions. Zappe’s coming off a rough outing in Buffalo (209 yards and three interceptions). He’ll go up against another tough defense with the Jets. It’ll be worth watching to see how Zappe performs in this final game and if his performance has any ramifications on how the Patriots proceed in the offseason.
Prediction: Patriots 17, Jets 12
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