The New England Patriots lost to the New York Jets by a 17-3 margin on Sunday in the 2023 season finale.
The Jets snapped a 15-game losing streak against the Patriots in the process and were able to beat New England for the first time since 2015.
Beyond just the Jets’ win, there were other storylines for Patriots fans to follow. This could have been the final game for legendary coach Bill Belichick, who has been on the hot seat for most of the season. How ironic that it could all end against the same Jets team that traded him to New England 24 years ago?
Special teams ace Matthew Slater, a 10-time Pro Bowler, might have also played in his final game after 16 seasons.
Twitter was full of reactions and tributes to Belichick and Slater, along with fans looking forward to what’s next for the Patriots. Here are some of the best reactions following Sunday’s game:
And just like that, the next era of New England Patriots football is upon us. https://t.co/M8FUgojyon
— Weiss (@ZackaryWeiss_) January 7, 2024
If this is truly the end of Bill Belichick as the head coach for the New England Patriots, or as an NFL head coach, I'll remember him not for being a great coach, but for getting lucky and drafting the best quarterback of all time.
— Joe Farella (@joefarella) January 7, 2024
time to root for the celtics and bruins
— New England Patriots (@newengland1211) January 7, 2024
THE NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS HAVE A SECURED A TOP 3 PICK IN THE 2024 NFL DRAFT THE SUFFERING HAS COME TO AN END WE WON THE WAR
— Victor 🫡 (@V1ctor_S1lva27) January 7, 2024
Bill, thank you for the 2 decades of joy and domination you brought me. This is a sad day with for me, seeing the coach of the patriots I have seen for my whole life have their last game like this. Even though things had to change, New England will always cherish these moments❤️
— I BleedGreen☘️ (@Jacob_NBA88) January 7, 2024
Most embarrassing new england patriots season ever ! And the defense choked it up in the last week of the season 🔥🔥🔥 lets go caleb williams
— theeHARDTRUTHpatriot (@6xChampPats) January 7, 2024
Jayden Daniels, New England Patriot QB
— master_chief_2.0 (@ChiefTwopointoh) January 7, 2024
This game is all kinds of confusing. If it truly is Belichick’s last game with the #Patriots he deserves to be sent off with cheers. However, a win hurts New England’s draft pick. Losing hurts the #Jets draft pick which Belichick probably finds some pleasure in #NYJvsNE pic.twitter.com/xtGAEgv4Oz
— Billy (@BillyW_91) January 7, 2024
DRAKE MAYE OR CALEB WILLIAMS YOU ARE A NEW ENGLAND PATRIOT
— Pavel Zacha Enthusiast (PoitHead) (@Revan9103) January 7, 2024
If this is the end of Bill Belichick time with the New England Patriots, all I can say is…
Thank you for everything, a lifetime full of memories I will forever cherish.
No words can describe how much you mean to New England.
The Greatest Coach of all time. #ForeverNE #NFL… pic.twitter.com/1VzYIo0AuR
— New England Sports Review (@nesportreview) January 7, 2024
Thank you for everything, Matthew Slater! The Patriots and their fans have been lucky to watch you play for New England for so long! #ForeverNE pic.twitter.com/SsCF8yFuLR
— Sara Marshall (@smarshxo) January 7, 2024
Hey Dad, what was it like when Matthew Slater captained the Patriots pic.twitter.com/XL7exsb4ye
— Kwik-E-Mart Gougers (@gougers15) January 7, 2024
new york jets 17
new england patriots 3bill belichicks last game ends with a loss to the jets. poetic
— spark (@ohmysparkk) January 7, 2024
If this is the last time Bill Belichick walks off the field as the New England Patriots head coach. I just want to say he’s the best coach I’ve ever seen in any sport. @nfl #patriots #foreverne pic.twitter.com/9NQxsJHiNL
— Matty P (@tsasmattyp) January 7, 2024
Pretty sure we just saw Bill Belichick coach his last game with the New England Patriots.
Can’t see a way they can keep him on after the last couple of seasons.
— Greg Avola (@gregavola) January 7, 2024
— # Team Rousey (@RondaRouseyFan) January 7, 2024
Bittersweet. pic.twitter.com/b6D962pWFe
— Just Cece 🏈 (@JustCeceSports) January 7, 2024
— Cole Adams (@coleadamss) January 7, 2024
— Southie Rebel 🍀 (@SouthieRebel) January 7, 2024
Now get a real QB
— Dan Hall (@TheDanHall) January 7, 2024
