Bill Belichick was open to talking about the importance of the New England Patriots’ Week 16 matchup against the Buffalo Bills.
The stakes are obvious: If the Patriots win, they take the AFC East title. If they lose, they open themselves up to getting passed by the Bills. That’s why Belichick emphasized that this week is almost like a playoff game. The Patriots coach was also willing to discuss the talented defensive players, like cornerback Tre’Davious White. Belichick even waxed poetic about Bills offensive coordinator Brain Daboll’s use of tight ends.
But there were plenty of topics, which Belichick discretely ruled off-limits for the media members. Here’s our weekly look at what Belichick wouldn’t say ahead of the Patriots’ game against the Bills on Saturday.
1. Why is Tom Brady’s completion % (60.1) lower than it has ever been?
What he said: “Yeah, I think right now we’re really focused on the Buffalo game, and trying to get ready and play our best in this game. So, going back and analyzing stuff from other games, and a year and all that, it’s really not where we’re at. … We call passes to complete them.”
What we think he’s thinking: For the longest time, Brady has been able to elevate the play of his teammates. That’s clearly not happening this season. Belichick did his best to bring in players who could help elevate Brady’s play. The coach chased tight end Jared Cook during free agency. It’s likely Belichick tried to get Rob Gronkowski out of retirement. The Patriots also retained Josh Gordon (before releasing him) to give him another chance after his suspension at the end of 2018. And they signed Antonio Brown, whose reputation only worsened upon joining the Patriots when he faced allegations of rape and sexual assault. New England has tried to help Brady — and perhaps that’s because Belichick knew Brady, 42, would need help this season. His decline is more apparent than ever. The question is whether the run game, powered by Sony Michel and Rex Burkhead, can get going like it did at this time last year. Because, no, Brady’s completion percentage probably isn’t getting much better.
2. When is the N’Keal Harry game happening?
What he said (on Harry’s touchdown last year): “He found that space, but I think one of the best parts of the play was N’Keal’s awareness and his strength to stay in the field of play and not get shoved out.”
What we think he’s thinking: In a perfect world: This week. In reality: Probably not until 2020.
3. Just how special is Stephon Gilmore?
What he said: “Steph works extremely hard, but I think he’d be the first one to tell you that at the position he plays, you’re only as good as your last play or your last game. So, whatever did or didn’t happen some other week or in the past is really meaningless for this game, and it’s about this week’s matchup, and that can turn in a hurry.”
What we think he’s thinking: As far as ranking defensive backs Belichick has coached, Darrelle Revis might be the only player who is more gifted than Stephon Gilmore. Revis was on the Patriots for less time, but played at a high level for an impressive and extended period of time. Gilmore’s talents have truly shined with New England’s impressive supporting cast, even if he doesn’t need any support in his 1-on-1 matchups with top NFL wideouts.
4. What’s the story on Josh Allen? Has he gotten significantly better?
What he said: “He’s good then, he’s good now. … Yeah, he’s made good decisions. They’ve won.”
What we think he’s thinking: Belichick has to feel pretty good about his game plan for stumping Allen in Week 16. Maybe Allen has improved. But he hasn’t come far enough to intimidate Belichick. Allen still makes bad decisions, and he still struggles with basic footwork. As a result, his completion percentage was 52% in Week 15 and 44% in Week 14.
5. How do you decide on what to do about an injury to a guy like Julian Edelman, who might be better off resting this week? Would you ever consider the playoffs when deciding on a player’s status for this week?
What he said: “Definitely. Again, at this point, you’re kind of in a lot of one-game seasons. But, there’s a game after this and we’re fortunate we have at least one more game after that. But, as they’re getting fewer and fewer, then I’d say there’s fewer options and again, you have to try to figure out what’s best for that player, what’s best for the team and so forth. But, it’s a normal problem with every position, it’s not one player”
What we think he’s thinking: In hindsight, we shouldn’t have played him against the Bengals. Ultimately, this game is too important to rest Edelman. He’ll probably gut his way through this game, even if he’s a decoy for most of it. It’s hard to imagine this offense having any success without Edelman against one of the best defenses in the NFL.
