Opinions surfaced within the Simmons household on Sunday.
Bill Simmons, the creator of “The Ringer” and a fan of Boston sports, recounted his father’s remarks made during the Jaguars’ 35-6 victory over the Patriots on the latest episode of “The Bill Simmons Podcast.”
The elder Simmons didn’t hold back when critiquing quarterback Drake Maye and reflecting on the offseason drama involving Mike Vrabel and Dianna Russini.
“‘It’s like I’m watching Mac Jones again,’” Simmons shared, quoting his dad. “That was an actual quote.”
“‘I think Dianna Russini ruined our season.’ He actually said that,” he continued.
“‘Should we try [Tommy] Devito?’ He was dead serious. Then, unfortunately, towards the end, he looked at me and said, ‘You know, it was so exciting to have a franchise quarterback, even if it was only for one year,’” he concluded.
New England hasn’t been the same since their Super Bowl appearance in February, losing and gaining players, like Stefon Diggs turning into A.J. Brown.
The overall atmosphere around the team appears to be affecting their performance, possibly linked to Vrabel’s alleged affair with a former NFL insider.
Simmons suggested that this offseason incident is where the team’s struggles began. “It’s tough when you can’t really explain what’s happening with your team,” he remarked. “The Pats in this post-Mike Vrabel Sedona era look sloppy as hell. They seem poorly coached, and it feels like he has no real grasp on the team. I genuinely think it all stems from that. The Year From Hell team, which I think has several candidates this year, starts with the Vrabel-Russini affair… What good thing has happened with the Pats?”
The cloud surrounding Russini seems to be growing larger.
Ben Volin from the Boston Globe referred to the situation in his column on Monday, dubbing it the “Dianna Russini Curse.” He noted that the team’s fortunes seem to have taken a turn since that offseason incident.
Simmons mentioned a fan who suggested that the Patriots, Packers, Buccaneers, and Chargers are all contenders for this “Year From Hell” title.
The fan asked about how much weight should be given to factors like a coach’s affair with a prominent reporter, a starting running back facing domestic violence charges, a washed-up DJ as offensive coordinator, or a once-great quarterback who is struggling this season.
In April, Page Six featured pictures of Vrabel and Russini, both married, together at a resort, holding hands and hugging.
Russini, who has not publicly commented on the affair, left her position at The Athletic.
Quarterback Maye hasn’t been helping the situation either.
The 24-year-old has contributed to the team’s poor start, with a record of 1-2 this season.
So far, he’s managed just one touchdown in three games and has thrown six interceptions. Additionally, he’s had nine fumbles and 10 interceptions over the last seven games, dating back to the end of the last season.
“We’re not sure what’s going on with our quarterback…” Simmons commented. “The interceptions are some of the worst decision-making I’ve seen. It doesn’t seem like he’s practiced with the receivers at all. The plays and the play-calling don’t fit the personnel we have. We were predicting plays from the couch, which is never a good sign.”
“And watching his press conferences makes it even worse…” he added. “He’s basically saying, ‘I’m a mess. I don’t know what’s going on. I need to fix this. I have no idea what I’m doing.’ He’s missing throws that he made consistently last year and just looks uncomfortable.”
Maye was the third overall pick by New England in 2024.
In his rookie season, the Patriots, without Bill Belichick for the first time in 24 years, ended up with a 4-13 record, finishing last in their division. However, Vrabel managed to improve things last year, leading the team to a Super Bowl appearance and a 14-3 season, despite criticisms over their relatively easy schedule.
The Patriots are set to play against Buffalo (3-0) in Week 4.
