Patriots hit new low on Sunday without even playing
While it was doubtful that the New England Patriots would get the chance to play past Jan. 7, it was officially confirmed on Sunday. They were able to get a big win over the Pittsburgh Steelers, but they were also relying on a lot of other teams. And it just didn't work out. The Patriots […]
While it was doubtful that the New England Patriots would get the chance to play past Jan. 7, it was officially confirmed on Sunday.
They were able to get a big win over the Pittsburgh Steelers, but they were also relying on a lot of other teams. And it just didn't work out.
The Patriots needed the Cincinnati Bengals to lose to the Indianapolis Colts, but Jake Browning led the Bengals to victory. So that leaves the Patriots knocked out of the playoffs for the second straight year.
This is the earliest the Patriots have been eliminated since 2000, which was Belichick's first year with the franchise. And this seems fitting with many speculating that this season could be his last.
Belichick's worst season with the Patriots was in 2000, where the team finished 5-11. However, with a 3-10 record with four games remaining, Belichick is on track to finish with an even worse record this season.
And this certainly doesn't help his case to stick around in New England. So if the rumors are true, Belichick's final game with the Patriots will be on Jan. 7 at Gillette Stadium when New England hosts the Jets.
Along with New York, the Patriots still have to play the Kansas City Chiefs, Denver Broncos, and Buffalo Bills. And each win certainly seems like an uphill battle based on how this season has gone.
It seems crazy to think that people are talking about the Patriots potentially firing the greatest coach in the history of the game. But people want someone to blame and Belichick is on top of that list.
The drafting fails in recent years have led to this steady decline, and it finally hit its tipping point. The Patriots don't have a starting quarterback, the offensive line remains a mess, the receivers haven't been living up to expectations, and there are so many other issues that can be listed.
However, getting rid of Belichick may not completely solve all this.
With the elimination now official, it will be interesting to see what rumors escape from New England in the coming weeks.
All eyes will now be on Belichick.
