'Time For Excuses is Up!' Bold Matthew Slater Reacts to Patriots Struggles

New England Patriots special-teamer Matthew Slater reflects on how their struggles over the past couple seasons have weighed on the team

The New England Patriots have become accustomed to winning over the last two decades, but the past few years haven't been as kind to them.

Since legendary quarterback Tom Brady left in 2020, the Patriots have a regular-season record of just 25-25 and have missed the playoffs in two of three seasons. In that lone playoff appearance, they suffered a blow-out loss at the hands of the division-rival Buffalo Bills.

With how much success the Patriots have had previously, their recent struggles have not been enjoyable to say the least. Longtime special-teamer Matthew Slater recently spoke out on how the past few seasons have taken a toll on the team.

“We have not enjoyed these past couple of seasons," Slater said, per NFL Network's Bridget Condon. "It hasn’t been fun for us…I think everybody in that locker room wants to win but we have to be willing to do what it takes to win."

Matthew Slater speaking to reporters right now says no one is pleased with last season

“We have not enjoyed these past couple of seasons. It hasn’t been fun for us…I think everybody in that locker room wants to win but we have to be willing to do what it takes to win."

— Bridget Condon (@BridgetCondon_) July 25, 2023

Slater has been with New England since 2008, earning 10 Pro Bowl selections and winning three Super Bowls along the way. As one of the longest-tenured Patriots, he knows what it's like to win more than nearly anyone else on the roster. So it's no surprise that the team's recent shortcomings have had an effect on him.

However, Slater isn't one to just sit idly by while his team struggles. His motivation to succeed is as strong as ever with training camp getting underway, and he knows now is the time for action.

"The time for excuses is up," Slater said, per Andrew Callahan of the Boston Herald. "We've had enough time for excuses the past couple seasons. It's time to put up or shut up."

Matthew Slater sums up the state of the #Patriots.

"The time for excuses is up. We've had enough time for excuses the past couple seasons. It's time to put up or shut up."

— Andrew Callahan (@_AndrewCallahan) July 25, 2023

Slater and the Patriots will face a tough battle in trying to return to their winning ways, as they now play in a brutal division and few are expecting them to be a playoff team. They play the games for a reason, though, and counting out the Patriots' could be a foolish mistake. 

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