It’s hard to blame the Patriots for being a little bit rusty in their postgame celebrations.
New England has spent 2023 muddling through its worst season under coach Bill Belichick, a 3–10 slog that has ruffled feathers from Bangor, Maine to Barnstable, Mass. The Patriots have scored in single digits on five different occasions this year—hardly a recipe for winning football in the 21st century.
An unexpected thing happened to New England on Thursday, however. The Patriots put together a decent offensive performance and beat an undermanned Steelers team 21-18.
After the game, victorious New England quarterback Bailey Zappe celebrated with Belichick and offensive coordinator Bill O'Brien in precisely the ways one would imagine: firm with the former, loose with the latter.
The difference between how Zappe greeted O’Brien and then Belichick after Thursday’s win is just so good.
— Andrew Callahan (@_AndrewCallahan) December 8, 2023
O’Brien? Like he’s one of the boys.
Belichick? Like he’s Zappe’s military father-in-law who will never forgive Zappe for not asking for his blessing.
(via @Patriots) pic.twitter.com/7QEn0NeUvV
The entire sequence left both fans of the Patriots and their rivals laughing.
This is just comedy. https://t.co/XyMeZeaIPA
— Andy Holloway (@andyholloway) December 8, 2023
New England fans demonstrated respect for Belichick's muted celebration, noting its association with their glorious past.
This same demeanor got us 6 super bowls https://t.co/fSeGLzDJ7w
— Cooper Meek (@CooperMeek) December 8, 2023
Are we back? https://t.co/sP2aEiLJP6
— E-wan Kenobi (@EwwyVert) December 8, 2023
Sons noted how Belichick reminded them of their fathers.
Me greeting my family at holiday functions
— Mike Visconti (@mikevisconti87) December 8, 2023
Vs
Me greeting my Dad at the same function https://t.co/IPOgml0n9e
One Dolphins fan pointed out the difference in demeanor between the division's best and worst teams.
Lol the difference between this and say…Tua and McDaniel is hilarious.
— Tua Tagovaidolphins (@TuaTagovaifins) December 8, 2023
If Zappe wants to make Belichick smile again, the Patriots have over a week to prepare for their matchup against the Chiefs on Dec. 17.
