Patriots reportedly displayed goalposts on video screen to distract opposing kickers
Analytics researcher Ryan Paganetti says the New England Patriots showed uprights on the stadium video board during opponents' field-goal attempts, a tactic that could affect kickers' focus.
During the Bill Belichick era, the New England Patriots are alleged to have used a visual cue on the Gillette Stadium video board to distract opposing placekickers. Analyst Ryan Paganetti, who has worked for several NFL teams, said the Patriots would display the goalposts on the screen while opponents lined up for field-goal attempts, creating a potentially confusing visual target.
"The uprights on the video screen could make it harder for kickers to focus on their aim," Paganetti said. The practice, if confirmed, would join other special-teams strategies the Patriots have employed over the years. Some observers note that New England’s cold, windy weather already poses challenges for kickers, and that other teams may have become aware of the tactic and adjusted accordingly.