3 New England Patriots who won’t be back for the 2023 season

After missing the playoffs, the Patriots should expect to see some departures ahead of the 2023 season, some welcome and some bittersweet.

The New England Patriots ended their 2022 season just short of the playoffs after losing to the Bills and finishing the season 8-9.

The game in Buffalo was always going to be a tough one to win, even before the emotional week for the Bills following the on-field collapse of safety Damar Hamlin on Monday night.

New England gave up two kick return touchdowns to Nyheim Hines, including the opening kickoff, ultimately falling 35-23. The Dolphins beat the Jets to jump over them for the final wild-card spot in the AFC.

Now, the offseason has arrived and changes should be coming for Bill Belichick’s team.

3 New England Patriots who won’t be back for the 2023 season

Matt Patricia

If you ask Patriots fans why they didn’t make the playoffs, you’d certainly see the name Matt Patricia brought up.

The de factor offensive coordinator oversaw an attack that couldn’t win games in 2022. New England’s offense was in the bottom half of the NFL in points, yards, yards per play, first downs and expected points.

Essentially, the performance of the offense wasted an outstanding defense. Patricia’s unit ranked 26th in FPI offensive efficiency. Belichick’s defense ranked second. For some comparison, the 49ers No. 1-ranked defense had the No. 4-ranked offense despite quarterback injuries. The Eagles paired a No. 3 defense with the No. 3 offense.

If Belichick wants to compete for Super Bowls again, he needs a major upgrade at offensive coordinator. That means admitting that giving a long-time defensive coach the reigns to the offense was a mistake. Reports that Robert Kraft is unhappy with the offensive coaching situation should give Belichick no choice. Dumping Patricia for an actual offensive coordinator should be the first order of business this offseason.