The end of an era?

[Patters]

When I think of the Golden Age of Belichick, I think of the guy who made situational football into an art, who made time-management and tendencies into a science, who had a training program that not only brought out the best in Brady, but the best in Matt Cassel, Deion Branch, and so many other players who when traded lost their luster. Belichick turned football from a rock 'em sock 'em game into a fast paced chess game. He created game plans that were original and daring, and time and again he caught opponents and pundits off guard. He did things that had rarely been done before.

The reality is that Bill Belichick was so good that for many teams their Superbowl was when they played the Patriots. For years, to beat the Patriots was considered a signature accomplishment. But now, Belichick's best ideas are copied by virtually every good coach. So many opponents have taken our players and coaches and incorporated the ideas of Bill Belichick into their own game plans, training program, and even draft strategy. So many opponents have spent more time studying the Patriots so that they know them better than they probably know any other team.

The Pats are still a good team, but Bill Belichik no longer brings any surprises to the table. His students -- the coaches on other teams -- are becoming better than the teacher. His players no longer show the same blind faith in him they once showed. Belichick won't be easy to replace because by any measure he's still a great coach and the Pat's still have a great W-L record, but I think the Golden Age of Bill Belichick is over.

 

[ctpatsfan77]

When I think of the Golden Age of Belichick, I think of the guy who made situational football into an art, who made time-management and tendencies into a science, who had a training program that not only brought out the best in Brady, but the best in Matt Cassel, Deion Branch, and so many other players who when traded lost their luster. Belichick turned football from a rock 'em sock 'em game into a fast paced chess game. He created game plans that were original and daring, and time and again he caught opponents and pundits off guard. He did things that had rarely been done before.

The reality is that Bill Belichick was so good that for many teams their Superbowl was when they played the Patriots. For years, to beat the Patriots was considered a signature accomplishment. But now, Belichick's best ideas are copied by virtually every good coach. So many opponents have taken our players and coaches and incorporated the ideas of Bill Belichick into their own game plans, training program, and even draft strategy. So many opponents have spent more time studying the Patriots so that they know them better than they probably know any other team.

The Pats are still a good team, but Bill Belichik no longer brings any surprises to the table. His students -- the coaches on other teams -- are becoming better than the teacher. His players no longer show the same blind faith in him they once showed. Belichick won't be easy to replace because by any measure he's still a great coach and the Pat's still have a great W-L record, but I think the Golden Age of Bill Belichick is over.

Umm, not to be facetious here, but isn't your argument here basically "Bill Belichick doesn't have a significant advantage over the rest of the league because everyone else has adopted his tactics?"

Maybe the Golden Age of Bill Belichick the man might be nearing its end, but it sounds like the Golden Age of Belichickian Football has only begun.

 

[Patters]

Maybe the Golden Age of Bill Belichick the man might be nearing its end, but it sounds like the Golden Age of Belichickian Football has only begun.

I agree with that, but that's not good for the Pats! It's an end of the era for the Pats.

 

[j00fek]

yea, prolly done

 

[Brady_to_Moss]

today..proves it a little more and more....they lose next week..then i am going to say yes


Pats are NOT the class of the AFC anymore..not at all

 

[TheComeback]

The team has lacked mental toughness ever since they lost the Super Bowl. That's the bottom line with every team we've had for the last four years.

 

[BradyMossWelker]

I love this board after a loss...

 

[The Boston Patriot]

today..proves it a little more and more....they lose next week..then i am going to say yes


Pats are NOT the class of the AFC anymore..not at all

Haven't been since 2004 with the exception of 2007. This year the decline in
team skills in all phases of the game is precipitous. Our depth is worse than it
has been in a long time. We are using aged veterans dropped from other
teams for lack of production for the most part. This approach was OK when
adding a vet for depth but those legs aren't getting any stronger and as the
season wears on it should only get worse. 8-8 is going to be a stretch for
this team.

 

[Kdo5]

2 grand failures of Belichick recently:

1. Not improving the run game year after year, or not trying out the guys he drafted early!

2. Baffling, idiotic management moves on defense (especially at safety).

 

[USCPatriot]

I love this board after a loss...

lol......seriously.

 

[MossWelkowski]

Era ended about 4 years ago buddy.

 

[BritPat]

Is this for real? How do people like you get through the whole day without hurting yourself?

 

[letekro]

Some problems out there, but these three things happen and we're a legitimate SB contender:

1. Ocho and Brady have got to get it together. This is their only legitimate threat outside and he was getting open today. Even if it means benching Branch more and more, they have to do more to get Ocho involved. Branch has a pitchfork sticking out of his back. He should be used situationally only.

2. Spikes and Fletcher healthy. Guyton and Tracy White cannot be playing significant minutes.

3. Most importantly, and this is maybe the least likely thing, someone has to step up at that other safety spot. Barrett seems to be the favorite of the staff but can't stay healthy. Sergio Brown and Ihedigbo are STeamers.

 

[IllegalContact]

Stupid cliches

Anyone else have any?

 

[MrTibbs]

If Belichick doesn't let his arrogance get the best of him YES they are done. Cuts Sanders and Bodden, trades Merriweather and benches his second round pick Cunningham. Signs Chad Johnsons whos clueless. Hires a guy who has NO football backround (Patricia) over Pepper Johnson as the D. Cordinator. I mean seriously, what should we really be expecting? The team has been on a downward spiral since Romeo and Charlie left. Don't count last years 14 win team who beat up on suspect teams and got tossed out at home in the playoffs.

It was over in 2004.

 

[slash83]

Two huge pi calls in the 4th cost us the game, especially the one in the endzone by that bum.

 

[PatsFanSince74]

I knew I shouldn't have come out here tonight.

See y'all tomorrow.

 

[LiveShot]

Pats need Belichik to either coach or be GM, not both. The drafting has been sub par since Pioli left. All this maneuvering up and down the draft board hasn't got them zip, still no downfield threat or pass rusher because nobody fits the Patriots scheme. Bull****.

 

[ctpatsfan77]

2 grand failures of Belichick recently:

2. Baffling, idiotic management moves on defense (especially at safety).

Technically, I don't have a problem with BB cutting Sanders and Meriweather. My problem is not adequately addressing the position during the offseason.

 

[IcyPatriot]

When you have 8/9 players making $50 million of your cap
what do you expect ... you get a watered down team in to many other areas.