Since Bill Belichick grew to become the pinnacle coach of the New England Patriots, the staff has had one of many best two-decade runs of any franchise. For 20 years, they have been principally locks to make the AFC Championship earlier than the season even began and performed in 9 Super Bowls, successful six.
But since quarterback Tom Brady left the staff to play for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, issues have been much less thrilling in Foxboro. The Patriots misplaced within the wild card spherical in Brady’s final yr with the staff and within the three years since have solely made the playoffs as soon as, shedding within the wild card spherical in 2021.
They have not gained the AFC East since 2019, one thing they did 17 occasions with Brady main the offense. While the protection has displayed nice expertise, the offense has struggled. Such a stark change from unmatched success to struggling to make the playoffs could make New England followers weary of the way forward for the staff.
When requested why followers needs to be optimistic for what’s forward for the Patriots, Belichick gave a brief, direct reply, as he usually does.
“The final 25 years,” he stated (by way of ESPN), referencing the dynasties and lots of of wins the staff has skilled.
Safety Devin McCourty, who introduced his retirement this offseason, confirmed some assist for his former coach by tweeting, “Talk your sh– Bill,” together with laughing emojis.
However, the Patriots head coach did make clear his feedback to The Boston Globe on Wednesday, signaling that the central focus is to enhance in 2023 and to not merely look again to former glory.
“We’re not resting on our previous laurels; that is not the message to the staff or the followers,” stated Belichick “We have by no means operated that means and are not now.”
The highway to the playoffs shouldn’t be getting simpler within the AFC East, with Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen nonetheless a high participant within the league and future Hall of Famer Aaron Rodgers on the verge of signing with the New York Jets.The Patriots nonetheless have the draft to beef up their squad and tackle among the points which have saved them from making a playoff run the previous three seasons.
