Patriots used video board displays to distract opposing field-goal kickers

The New England Patriots utilized video board displays to create optical illusions for visiting kickers during field-goal attempts. According to analytics expert Ryan Paganetti, the team broadcasted a reverse view of the formation on screens located behind the kicker. This image displayed four yellow goal post lines, with wind flags moving in the opposite direction of the actual stadium uprights. Paganetti observed this tactic during over a decade of televised home games for the Patriots. Visiting teams faced this distraction during field-goal attempts, while the Patriots ensured their own attempts did not trigger the same display on the video board. Other teams attempted to replicate the strategy, but stadium configurations often prevented similar effectiveness. The practice serves as an example of the team prioritizing specific details to gain a competitive advantage on the field.

• 2:55 PMYahoo Sports — Patriots devised perfect way to mess with opposing field-goal kickers