Ryan Paganetti identifies video board tactic used by Patriots at Gillette Stadium
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 2, 2026, 1:31 PM
Last updated Sep 2, 2026

Former NFL analyst Ryan Paganetti reports the Patriots utilized the Gillette Stadium video board to display a reversed, offset image of field goal uprights during opponent kicking attempts. According to his analysis of a decade of broadcast footage, this visual discrepancy appeared consistently for opposing teams but never during Patriots field goal attempts. The tactic reportedly included manipulated wind streamers on the screen to further disorient kickers in difficult weather conditions. While some observers describe the practice as an exploitation of a regulatory gap, others have characterized the method as a strategic advantage. Bill Belichick previously noted that the installation of a new 370-by-60-foot screen in 2023 changed wind patterns within the stadium. The Philadelphia Eagles reportedly attempted to replicate the tactic at Lincoln Financial Field but found it ineffective due to the stadium's layout.
- •Ryan Paganetti analyzed over a decade of broadcast footage showing the visual trick.
- •The offset uprights appeared only during field goal attempts by opposing teams.
- •Manipulated streamers on the video board reportedly conflicted with physical wind conditions.
- •Bill Belichick acknowledged in 2023 that the updated video board altered internal wind patterns.
- 1:31 PMYahoo Sports — Patriots reportedly used a video board trick to mess with opposing kickers for over a decade
"A decade of broadcast tape shows the same visual illusion appearing dozens of times, but never once when New England was the one kicking.
Sources
External linksOriginal reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
Related Stories
Last 14 days
NFL•Sep 2, 2026, 2:35 PMMiami Dolphins roster 2026: Where is the biggest concern heading into Week 1?
NFL•Sep 2, 2026, 2:33 PMJaguars WR Brian Thomas Jr. a full-go
NFL•Sep 2, 2026, 2:32 PMJacksonville Jaguars coach Liam Coen talks backup QBs, rookie DE- NFL•Sep 2, 2026, 2:10 PM49ers get good news on George Kittle, Nick Bosa with Week 1 travel plans
NFL•Sep 2, 2026, 2:10 PMCoen with injury updates on Jaguars Brian Thomas, Jakobi Meyers, others
NFL•Sep 2, 2026, 2:05 PMThe Rams think they’ve figured out jet lag. Australia is about to test their theory
