Captain Matthew Slater of the Patriots Dismisses Tanking: “I’m hoping to win!”
Fans of the New England Patriots are undoubtedly considering giving up on the team and tanking for a high NFL Draft pick, as the team’s performance seems to be getting worse every week. With two games remaining between them and the No. 4 Chicago Bears, the Patriots would now have the No. 3 pick. The Patriots’ otherwise dismal season has been saved by the possibility of owning a first-round selection in the next draft. But despite the fact that the team appears to be headed for a rebuild, one that may benefit from a first-round selection, team captain Matthew Slater recently stated in an interview with WEEI’s “Jones & Mego” program that he isn’t done attempting to
“As for myself, I make an effort to position myself to comprehend everyone’s way of thinking. Regarding the notion that supporters want the club to fail, Slater remarked, “I understand that reasoning, I understand fans having an opinion or hopes and expectations of what we do.” And that’s not problematic for me. It doesn’t offend me.
However, I believe that as a player, particularly one in my position, you understand that opportunities in this league are never guaranteed. Furthermore, as simple as it may be for supporters or analysts to project the future, as a player, your future is never assured. particularly for someone in my circumstance. Thus, players will never find the concept of tanking or losing games appealing. My goal is to win the upcoming six games.
Slater’s response is expected given that he postponed retirement to play in his 16th season for at least another year. Despite the fact that the 38-year-old’s season hasn’t gone as planned, he is still eager for further achievement as a five-time first-team All-Pro and three-time Super Bowl champion. The Patriots are 2-9 and aren’t out of the running for the playoffs yet, even though they have no chance of finishing with a winning record. But if the team loses against the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday and wins somewhere else, that may alter.
