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.
