ORCHARD PARK, NY – The last week hasn’t been a good sign for Alex Van Pelt.

As soon as the camera panned to team president Jonathan Kraft and lip readers noticed him talking about the game being “terrible,” the Patriots’ offensive coordinator was under pressure.

To make matters worse, Van Pelt said neither owner Robert nor Jonathan Kraft spoke to him about the viral video. For a team that’s on track to be a top-three pick and led by a head coach the owner adores, there’s a sense that the veteran offensive coordinator is becoming the owner’s scapegoat.

Unless the players have a say.

The Patriots offense started hot at Highmark Stadium on Sunday. The group managed two touchdown drives in its first two series to take an early lead against the heavily favored Buffalo Bills. For a moment, it felt like Van Pelt was rocking and the players were doing everything they could to help their coach.

In the end everything failed due to several turnovers in the second half on the way to the Patriots’ 24:21 defeat. However, after the game, several players stood up for Van Pelt, including quarterback Drake Maye.

“A lot of conversations about our coaching staff and stuff like that. I think it’s pretty stupid, to be quite honest,” Maye said. “Coach Mayo, we are behind him. He trains us hard. He wants to win. We all want to win. We are all frustrated. AVP has called it great in recent weeks. We’re just a few games away. I turn the ball over.”

Maye wasn’t alone. Several veteran players told MassLive that they support Van Pelt and enjoy playing for Van Pelt.

With two games left, it remains to be seen whether player support will be enough for the veteran coach to keep his job.

From the players’ perspective, the biggest problem for the offense was playing from the back and taking penalties. For example, if holding calls pushes the offense back 10 yards, Van Pelt’s ideal game plan didn’t always work. Kendrick Bourne found that wasn’t the case in the first half on Sunday.

Therefore, he felt that the offense started faster and seemed more efficient. For two quarters, the offensive unit looked better than it has for most of the season.

“I love AVP,” Bourne said. “His mindset plays a role – he’s very calm. I love that he is very balanced. It doesn’t seem like he’s fazed. He doesn’t try to deviate from his game plan, which I love. If we start behind the chains like we did last week, things will be difficult. We got a lot of penalties, got backing and today we were on the right track and in front of the chain so he can play the call however he wants. He was able to play Call the way he planned instead of having to improvise. We have to help him help us. We all have to help each other.”

Part of the Patriots’ problem this season lies with their offensive line. While blame for the Patriots’ 3-12 record can be spread all over the place (ownership, front office, coaching staff and players), it’s fair to wonder how much better this offense would look with a legitimate offensive line.

This is certainly not the way Eliot Wolf operated on offense – he started Vederian Lowe, who said over the summer that his key to the NFL was being a backup swing tackle, and Demontrey Jacobs, who was substituted by the Denver Broncos at the end of camp.

The lack of elite talent at the tackle position makes it more difficult in the red zone and near the goal line. Add to that the fact that the Patriots don’t have a true No. 1 receiver, and it’s easy to see why the offense is struggling.

Of course, Van Pelt has a lot to answer for. After all, the Patriots entered Sunday’s game in 31st place in the NFL standings.

Van Pelt admitted to regretting his play in the Patriots’ loss to the New York Jets in September. In Arizona, the style of play seemed too conservative in the first half. The Patriots’ inability to score near the goal line was frustrating. On Sunday, the offense needed nine plays to score after reaching the 4-yard line.

Van Pelt also asked Maye to throw a return pass to Rhamondre Stevenson, who was on offense at the New England 12. Jacobs missed a block, the ball bounced off Stevenson’s hands and was recovered in the end zone for a Bills touchdown. The play seemed too risky considering where the Patriots were on the field.

If Jacobs makes his block, it might not be a touchdown. If Austin Hooper doesn’t fall, Maye might not get an interception. Of course, “maybe” means nothing and certainly won’t help a coach keep his job.

Still, when asked about Van Pelt, Patriots veterans say the problem wasn’t with him. Those in the locker room point to a younger squad and mental mistakes. Stevenson said the players were aware of the criticism leveled at Van Pelt.

“Of course we hear it. We don’t agree with that,” Stevenson said. “We stand behind AVP 100%. We go out there and play hard for him every game. He is a smart coach. He knows what he wants to do offensively. I love working with him.”

“It was great,” Onwenu said. “I like the way he plays. I like his style. I think he’s everything we do (well). There’s nothing I would change.”

The biggest positive for Van Pelt was Maye’s development. The Patriots stuck with their plan to start Jacoby Brissett and let the rookie quarterback mature behind the scenes. Since taking over as the starter, the No. 3 pick has looked more than just the role of a franchise quarterback.

“I think we’re building something good, something that feels right here,” Maye said. “And I’m proud to be a patriot.”

Maye’s future seems bright. Van Pelt should get credit for his development. Maye also really likes his offensive coordinator – as do his teammates.

We’ll see if that’s enough to keep the veteran coach in New England – especially if his biggest critics come from the dugout.

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