If there’s anyone who can read Bill Belichick’s mind during these difficult times in New England, it’s Tom Brady.
While the Patriots have never experienced this level of struggle during his tenure, Brady and Belichick have experienced their fair share of ups and downs in their 20 years together. Of course, that’s mostly because the Patriots have been to nine Super Bowls and won six of them in historic runs.
Times have changed. Since Brady’s departure, Belichick and the Patriots are 26-29 and have made just one playoff appearance (without a win) over the past three seasons. Through the first five weeks of the 2023 season, the Patriots are 1-4 and have suffered two of the worst losses in Belichick’s 29 years as an NFL head coach. There is now speculation that Belichick’s 24th season in Foxborough could be his last.
Brady shared his thoughts on the situation on the latest episode of the SiriusXM podcast “Let’s Go!”
“I think the results are different than they were before, but I know he still has the same work ethic, he still has the same coaching style,” Brady said. “I think what I think about when I watch the Patriots game and a lot of other games is, football is a tough sport. You know, it was very different when I was there because I could control a lot of the outcome. When I As I sit here and watch from a distance, I realize, God, there are a lot of variables and there are a lot of things that need to go right for this team to be successful.”
Belichick isn’t the only one receiving attention during the Patriots’ terrible season. Third-year quarterback Mac Jones’ poor performance has some calling for him to be benched next week in Las Vegas. Those still riding with Jones believe his issues stem from the struggles of the offensive line and a lack of weapons around him.
Brady acknowledged, as he has done throughout his illustrious career, that wins and losses are the result of a team effort, not individual players.
“I’ve been a part of a lot of these teams and I don’t take those things for granted. I need a strong defense. I need a great kicker. Obviously, I need a great coach. I need a great kicker. Receivers and a great O-line,” he said. “If I want to be a successful player, I need all these things. I’ve been lucky enough to have a lot of them over a long period of time.
“The teams that lose, they put a lot into it. The teams that win, they put a lot into it. It’s a ruthless sport and you get nothing. It’s all tough. Losing is tough, winning is tough. Ball is tough, too.” “It’s tough. It’s tough to be in this position year after year. It’s tough to lose games and have a bad season.”
Host Jim Gray asked Brady if he expected Belichick to continue with the same goals and approach in this situation.
“Of course,” the seven-time Super Bowl champion replied. “I think he’s been taking a very consistent approach, you know, it’s the right approach. It’s trying to prepare the players and give them the best chance to succeed. You know, you’re on the field last, the coaches, once the game To get started, the players have to do it.”
Belichick and his teammates will look forward to their return this Sunday when they visit old friend Josh McDaniels and the Raiders. If they suffer another historic loss in Las Vegas, Belichick may have no choice but to change his ways.
