Ever since the departure of Tom Brady, the New England Patriots haven't quite been the same. Bill Belichick has led the Patriots to a 25-25 overall record since Brady left, and hasn't won a playoff game since 2018. Buffalo Bills reporter Sal Capaccio believes it is because Belichick hasn't adapted to the modern NFL, reports NBC Sports' Darren Hartwell.
“I think that things have happened over the last several years that show that he hasn't quite adapted, especially after Brady. Mobile quarterbacks — not just Josh (Allen); Justin Fields last year, Lamar Jackson — they've hurt the New England Patriots. I think that Bill has yet to adjust to that, and I don't see how they've necessarily adjusted this season to anything like that.”
Quite the strong take from an interdivisional rival, although he might have a point. The Patriots have struggled since Brady has left, and have really struggled against mobile quarterbacks.
Josh Allen is the new prototype for big, mobile quarterbacks in the NFL, and he has won five of his last six matchups against the Patriots. He seemingly has cemented the Buffalo Bills as the new beasts of the AFC East.
Meanwhile, quarterbacks like Justin Fields and Lamar Jackson have had their way with the Patriots. In three career matchups, Jackson has two wins and three rushing touchdowns against New England, including an 10o yard rushing output in their most recent clash.
Fields has played the Patriots once in his career, a 33-14 drubbing of New England last season on a Monday night. Fields went for 82 yards rushing in the contest and had a rushing touchdown of his own as well.
Nevertheless, Capaccio goes on to say that no one is diminishing Bill Belichick's career and accolades in becoming arguably the greatest coach of all time. However, there is an argument to be made that his coaching style might not work with the direction the NFL is heading in.
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