The greatest head coach in history and the best quarterback in history both left the Patriot New Englands in the course of four years. Now that Hall of Fame talent is being replaced at those locations, they also run the risk of repeating the same mistakes twice.
The Patriots had the biggest gap to cover at the most crucial position on the field when Tom Brady left to sign with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2020. They were given an alternative that just did not exist before, but there was no way they could do that without experiencing a significant drop-off. 
With the veteran quarterback gone, they might update the playbook and acquire a modern passer who can impact the game with both his legs and arm. Still, what action did the Patriots take? The status quo was maintained.
2020 saw them get the opportunity to choose Jalen Hurts. In addition to his skill on the field—he tore apart defenses while nearly winning the Heisman Trophy at Oklahoma—Hurts was a leader and possessing intangible qualities off the field. Even though he was benched in the middle of Alabama’s National Championship game, he didn’t back down; instead, he stepped up to support Tua Tagovailoa and inspired the team to support their new quarterback, who would go on to win the game.
Hurts had every opportunity to destroy them after the game, but instead he rejoiced with his squad and expressed his admiration for Tua. That’s the kind of guy you want in charge of your squad, and he seems to have been a perfect fit for the alleged “Patriot Way.”
But instead of drafting him in the first round, the team chose to trade out and select a Division II safety. I’m not sure what might have been the most iconic Bill Belichick moment in history if not that.
Now that he’s developed into a good player, Kyle Dugger ought to get a contract extension soon since he might be a long-term cornerstone for one of the top defenses in the NFL. Nevertheless, something tells me that if the Patriots had selected a quarterback with their first pick in the post-Tom Brady era instead of a safety, they would have been better overall than 25-38 during the previous four seasons.
(In addition, I am aware that Cam Newton started for the Patriots in 2020, but since he wasn’t signed by the team until June 28, it doesn’t seem like he was part of their initial plan for that season. They believed going into that season that Jarrett Stidham as the starting quarterback would be sufficient.
This has nothing to do with Hurts, Dugger, or Mac Jones, the quarterback they did ultimately select in the first round of the 2021 draft. This has to do with reconstructing and updating the system as the chance arises. After Belichick headed the franchise for 24 years, the Patriots and Belichick announced last week that they were parting ways, placing the team in a similar position to what it was when Brady left: with an opportunity to change things up and move in a different path. The truth is, though, that he has only ever traveled to New England with Bill Belichick. Belichick selected him in the 2008 NFL Draft. He left the team in 2015, was brought in as a coach in 2019, and is currently the head coach. Though he may not share Belichick’s beliefs or mannerisms, he has only ever encountered the “Patriot Way” in the workplace. It would be naive to expect him to be considerably different from the man who has taught him everything he knows.
When it comes to updating the business, it might not be an issue if you surround him with visionaries who can help lead the team into its post-Belichick future. All of this is still possible, and Mayo has begun interviewing prospects for the roles of special teams coordinator and defensive coordinator.
But it’s not only the coaching staff; the Patriots also need to figure out how to replace quasi-GM Belichick.
If Foxborough’s latest rumors are to be believed, the team may move slowly in their search for a general manager. As a matter of fact, it may decide not to hire one at all until after the draft.
The Patriots appear to be in dire need of a general manager after their recent troubles. A general manager would ideally bring a vision of what the team can be and another pair of eyes to analyze talent both at the college and pro level. Still, it appears that they will continue in their current capacity despite their breakup with Belichick.
They appear happy enough to continue without a single worker, letting the train rattle along the tracks as though nothing were wrong. There are concerns that things won’t work out any better this time around because of the mentality that led to disappointment the past time.
The most notable thing about all of this is that, following Brady’s departure, it was widely thought that Belichick was the driving force behind all of the club’s choices. But now that he’s gone as well, it appears the Patriots will carry on as normal.
Therefore, in the event that the present rebuild fails, Robert Kraft remains the only person to blame.
Not Bill Belichick, not Jerod Mayo, not whoever they (maybe) sign to be general manager. Given that he led the most successful NFL run in history and saved the team in the 1990s, it can be difficult to criticize Kraft; yet, if splitting ways with Belichick and focusing on those who were already part of the building is the strategy, it better work.
If not, the owner may soon face some very difficult questions.
Rather than interviewing any other candidates, they hired Jerod Mayo. Players and former teammates had nothing but positive things to say about Mayo, who is a well-liked and respected member of the locker room. That’s all well and good, and it might even serve as the basis for a fruitful head coaching career.
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