The New England Patriots built arguably the most impressive dynasty in NFL history. Over two decades, they dominated the league like no other team, winning six Super Bowls and making nine trips to the big game.
That dominance, though, was also marred by controversy. A few cheating scandals led to some hefty consequences for the franchise. But now, a trick during home games has left fans divided on whether it was another form of “cheating” from the organization.
Patriots Wanted Every Advantage They Could Get
During the late 2000s, two major cheating scandals rocked the Patriots. The first was Spygate, where the team was caught illegally videotaping opposing teams’ signals. Later on, it turned out to be a far more extensive operation.
As a result, the team and head coach Bill Belichick received fines, while also giving up their first-round pick in 2008. A second controversy occurred in the 2010s, when they were accused of inflating footballs to below the minimum threshold to improve grip.
Once again found guilty, the team had to forfeit a first-round pick and a fourth-round pick, while quarterback Tom Brady, who allegedly knew about the skirting of the rules, was suspended for four games.
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But beyond those outright instances of cheating, the Patriots were trying to capture every edge they could get. Strategy and analytics coach Ryan Paganetti was the one to uncover the move on social media.
He revealed a shrewd move by the Patriots: having the video board, right in front of the kicker, show the uprights slightly skewed from their actual positions. Add in the orange streamers, also slightly displaced, and it worked to build the perfect illusion.
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It may have directly affected field goal attempts, especially with a similar scenario not playing out when the Patriots were the ones attempting the shots. The breakdown quickly went viral on X, with prominent members of NFL circles chipping in with their views.
Vic Lombardi didn’t mince words as he called them, “Biggest cheaters in sports.”
Glen Macnow, too, claimed, “Patriots still cheating.”
Biggest cheaters in sports https://t.co/uqeLA5NM9C
— Vic Lombardi (@VicLombardi) September 2, 2026
However, for others, the move seemed like another example of the pure genius that went into their dominance.
Rachel Nichols called it “diabolical,” a sentiment shared by a majority of people taking in the information from Paganetti.
Jason McIntyre added, “Bill Belichick is absolutely diabolical. What a genius.”
This is diabolical 😎 https://t.co/YiAsvufjqD
— Rachel Nichols (@Rachel__Nichols) September 2, 2026
Yahoo Sports’ Kevin O’Connor was impressed, claiming, “This is awesome. Home field advantage!”
Mike Vorkunov, too, added, “This is some sicko attempt at getting an edge but I kinda love it. Only Bill Belichick would think of something this devious.”
This is some sicko attempt at getting an edge but I kinda love it. Only Bill Belichick would think of something this devious https://t.co/LutxB3o7oQ
— Mike Vorkunov (@MikeVorkunov) September 2, 2026
Former Indianapolis Colts legend Pat McAfee was left conflicted about the development, claiming, “I absolutely hate and love this move so much. GREAT piece of intel from paisan Paganetti here.”
I absolutely hate and love this move so much.
GREAT piece of intel from paisan Paganetti here https://t.co/untet5apYr
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) September 2, 2026
Josh Dubow of the Associated Press called it “tremendous..”
Liam Blutman was left stunned by the subtle genius of it all: “One of those things you see on TV all the time and don’t even clock. True genius.”
One of those things you see on TV all the time and don’t even clock. True genius https://t.co/2bcRxCNczB
— Liam Blutman (@Blutman27) September 2, 2026
On its face, the innovation seems like a rather obvious trick. But for their dynasty to be as successful as it was, it represents the kind of attention to detail in every aspect that set them apart from every other team in NFL history. And the result is there for all to see.
