Kraft: Patriots' record 'isn't what we expected to happen this year'

The New England Patriots sit at the bottom of the AFC with a record falling far below owner Robert Kraft's expectations.

"This is our 30th year that I've had the privilege of owning this team, and I've never been 2-7," Kraft told NFL Network's Rich Eisen ahead of Sunday's game in Germany against the Indianapolis Colts.

"It's really disappointing. I had hoped things would be a lot better, as I know our fan base did. I hope today is a chance to reset and make it a much better year. This isn't what we expected to happen this year."

The Patriots actually started 2-7 one other time under Kraft, with the team compiling the dismal record during Bill Belichick's first season in charge in 2000, according to Ben Volin of the Boston Globe.

Kraft said in March that the team aimed to return to the postseason in 2023.

The Patriots aren't inclined to fire Belichick midseason, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

The coach is contracted through the 2024 campaign after signing an extension in the offseason, potentially opening up the possibility of New England trading Belichick if the parties opt to part ways, adds Rapoport.

Belichick has the most Super Bowl wins (six) and appearances (nine) in NFL history. He also boasts a 264-115 regular-season record across 24 seasons at the helm of the Patriots.

However, New England hasn't been the same dominant force since Tom Brady left prior to the 2020 campaign.

The Patriots missed the playoffs in two of the last three seasons and look set to again sit out come January.