Getty Image / Rich Barnes
For nearly two decades, the New England Patriots were the envy of the other 31 franchises in the National Football League. But, the franchise has fallen dramatically from that heyday, and the Pro Bowl selections released on Wednesday prove just how far they have fallen.
For the first time since 2000, no New England Patriots were selected to the initial Pro Bowl roster.
The franchise has fallen off dramatically since Tom Brady left the team to sign with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers following the 2019 season. But, even through some lean years of 7-9, 10-7, and 8-9 from 2020-2022, players like Matthew Slater, Matthew Judon, Mac Jones, and JC Jackson found their way onto Pro Bowl rosters.
But, in the midst of this 4-12 season with one final week left to play, there wasn’t a Patriot who truly emerged as a threat to make the Pro Bowl. Judon was lost for the season early in the year, as was star rookie cornerback Christian Gonzalez.
The player with the best chance to make the Pro Bowl was probably interior defensive lineman Christian Barmore. The young Alabama product had a very good year, notching 8.5 sacks and 11 tackles for loss so far. But, Chris Jones, Justin Madibuke, and Quinnen Williams snagged the three spots for the AFC interior defensive linemen. Safety Jabrill Peppers also had a nice year, but was also snubbed.
This signifies rock-bottom for the Patriots under the Bill Belichick-Robert Kraft regime. Even from 2020-2022, there were bright spots. Those are few and far between on this team.
Luckily for the franchise, they currently would pick second-overall in the 2024 NFL Draft as they look to rebuild the Patriots back into a dynasty.