Former Patriots exec isn’t yet concerned about the team’s abnormal start

Is it time to hit the panic button?

Is it time to hit the panic button for the New England Patriots (2-3) yet?

It’s tough to tell, but former Patriots executive Scott Pioli isn’t ready to hit it quite yet. He joined NFL Network’s “Good Morning Football.” on Tuesday and explained his thoughts.

“Well, I think the thing is you don’t overreact in either direction,” Pioloi said, transcribed by NESN. “I’m not concerned yet and not because it’s the same old Patriots that are going to do what they always do. I’m also not comfortable. Again, we’re only five games in and we’re in a division that doesn’t have any kind of definition yet. So, if you watch what’s happening with the Patriots the last two games and some of the losses and some of the problems they’re having, a lot has to do with who’s on the field, who’s not on the field and who’s not been on the field in practice.

“Again, I want to be clear here. With the Patriots, they don’t make excuses, but you have to understand the difference between excuses and reasons. Cam not practicing, Cam not getting time together with his teammates — that’s a problem. A number of other teammates not practicing, those things are problems. You need to practice. This is the National Football League. I think it’s too early to go in either direction and start making final decisions on what this Patriots team is or what it’s going to be.”

Pioli makes very good points and the lack of practice and personnel would put any coach in a tough situation. Bill Belichick’s ability to maneuver and change at any moment has allowed fluidity and helped keep the culture the same without Tom Brady around.

If the Patriots can get some days on the practice field, it’ll be extremely important for them to beat the San Francisco 49ers and walk away with a .500 record.

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