Alex Van Pelt Reveals Massive Disconnect in Patriots' Management

New England Patriots offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt found himself under the spotlight for all the wrong reasons on Sunday. As the Pats struggled to move the ball during Week 15's 30-17 loss to the Arizona Cardinals, team president Jonathan Kraft was spotted voicing his displeasure to his father and Patriots owner Robert.

"Play-calling is terrible," the younger Kraft mouthed, according to internet lip-readers. Even if those aren't the 60-year-old's exact words, the look on the duo's face made it clear that they weren't thrilled with Van Pelt's work that afternoon.

On Thursday, the New England OC opened up about his thoughts regarding the viral clip.

Patriots News: Alex Van Pelt Reveals Disconnect with Ownership

When asked if he had talked to the Krafts about the alleged play-calling criticisms, Van Pelt revealed to ESPN's Mike Reiss that he has yet to hear anything from Patriots management.

"My door is always open," Van Pelt said. "Obviously, I answer to (the Kraft Family). So if they ever want to come and talk, my door is open."

Although he hasn't spoken to the elder Kraft recently, Van Pelt made it clear that doesn't mean there isn't an open line of communication between the two sides.

"I’ve had great conversations with Robert over the course of the season, Mr. Kraft, and it’s been positive," the Patriots OC added. "Always willing and always available."

Van Pelt was hired to Jerod Mayo's coaching staff in February after spending four seasons as an offensive coordinator for the Cleveland Browns. His play-calling was a big reason why the Browns averaged 23.3 points per game in 2023 (T-10th) and the hope was that he could have a similar impact on New England's attack.

Unfortunately, that hasn't been the case so far.

Ahead of Week 16's meeting with the Buffalo Bills, the Patriots are only averaging 17.0 points (31st) and 292.5 total yards (30th) per contest. They've only hit the 20-point mark five times through 14 games (35.7%) with none of those instances occurring outside of Gillette Stadium.

Reading between the lines, the Krafts' lack of recent communication likely spells bad news for Van Pelt. The Pittsburgh, PA native hasn't come close to reaching expectations and there hasn't been much to like about his tenure outside of his solid work with rookie quarterback Drake Maye.

It's possible the Krafts don't see a point in talking to Van Pelt if they don't have any intention of bringing him back in 2025. He's got a solid mind for football, no doubt, but it's clear that Mayo's coaching staff just isn't the right spot for him.

Who knows, though? The Patriots' offensive performances could improve down that stretch, perhaps saving Van Pelt's job for at least one more season. If that's going to happen, though, management needs to do a better job of communicating with its coaches — whether it's for good or bad reasons.

Having said that, a strong offensive showing from New England seems unlikely — at least in Week 16. FanDuel Sportsbook is listing the Patriots' projected total for Sunday at 15.5 points in a game where Van Pelt & Co. are currently 14.5-point underdogs to the Bills.

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