In a cold, rain-soaked Foxboro, Robert Kraft was right where he’s always been when it matters most-on the sideline, in the elements, with his team. The 84-year-old Patriots owner stood field level at the AFC Championship Game, bundled in a team jacket, braving 32°F temperatures as New England took another step in a postseason run few saw coming.
Kraft’s presence didn’t go unnoticed. Fans in the stadium took note, and social media lit up with reactions-some concerned, some simply surprised to see the longtime owner back in the thick of things.
But for Kraft, this was more than just a game. It was a statement.
“I feel we’re back,” he said, a message aimed not just at Patriots Nation, but perhaps also at the broader football world that’s spent the last few years writing New England off.
That sentiment-we’re back-isn’t just talk. The Patriots are heading to their 16th AFC Championship Game, and they’re doing it under a new regime.
Mike Vrabel, in his first year as head coach, has already led the team deeper into the playoffs than many expected. His hiring now looks like a savvy move by Kraft, whose decision to bring in a former Patriots linebacker is paying off in real time.
The Divisional Round win over the Houston Texans wasn’t exactly a clinic in offensive execution, but it was enough. Rookie quarterback Drake Maye had a shaky outing, completing 16 of 27 passes for 179 yards with one interception.
He also fumbled four times, one of which directly led to Houston’s first touchdown. Ball security remains a major concern, and Maye’s decision-making under pressure is still a work in progress.
But considering it’s his first playoff run, there’s room for growth-and plenty of it.
Fortunately for New England, their defense came to play. Carlton Davis III was a standout, picking off two of C.J.
Stroud’s passes. Craig Woodson added another interception and recovered a fumble, helping the Patriots capitalize on a Texans offense that simply couldn’t find rhythm.
Stroud, who’s had an impressive sophomore campaign, looked overwhelmed against a Patriots defense that’s peaking at the right time.
Now, New England turns its attention to the top-seeded Denver Broncos, who will be without their starting quarterback, Bo Nix, due to injury. That’s a major development heading into the AFC title game, and one that could tilt the odds in the Patriots’ favor. With a trip to Super Bowl LX on the line, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
It’s been a long road back to relevance for the Patriots. From the turbulence of 2019 to a coaching change and a new face at quarterback, this franchise has navigated its fair share of challenges. But with a defense that’s forcing turnovers, a head coach who’s already making his mark, and an owner who’s still deeply invested in every snap, New England is once again knocking on the door of greatness.
For Robert Kraft, standing on that sideline in the cold wasn’t just about showing up-it was about signaling that the Patriots are, indeed, back in the hunt. And with one more win, they’ll be back on the biggest stage in football.