Patriots' Clever Visual Illusion During Opponent Field Goals Spotlighted in Trending Photos

During the Bill Belichick era, the New England Patriots capitalized on whatever on-field edge they could find. In one such case, the team may have called upon the services of the scoreboard operator.

Ryan Paganetti, who worked for multiple NFL on the analytics and research side, discovered the Patriots would show the uprights on the video screen at Gillette Stadium when opposing kickers were lining up for field goals. That would create a difficult visual for kickers as they were arranging their target.

Kicking is already difficult enough in the perfect of circumstances. Disrupting an opposing kicker in subtle and perhaps subconscious ways could have a tangible impact on their success rate.

And the Patriots have seemingly benefited from big special teams moments through the years.

The supposed gamesmanship might also mean nothing. The fall and winter weather in New England often isn't that hospitable, so kickers will face cold and/or windy conditions.

Teams may have been aware of this already as well. Given how meticulously coaches prepare, surely somebody within the league flagged the Patriots' ploy, thus mitigating the effects.