Bill Belichick, the head coach of the New England Patriots, experienced two devastating losses in consecutive weeks.
Last week, the Patriots suffered a crushing defeat at the hands of the Dallas Cowboys, but this week’s loss was even more humiliating as the Saints shut out the Patriots with a score of 34-0.
This loss marks the worst home defeat in Belichick’s coaching career.
The #Patriots 34-point margin of defeat in Week 5 is the largest home loss of Bill Belichick’s career as a head coach (only larger margin of defeat came last week at #Cowboys)
It was also the team's largest shutout home loss in franchise history pic.twitter.com/2B9OkmEJiG
— Bridget Condon (@BridgetCondon_) October 9, 2023
The previous record for Belichick’s worst home loss was a 38-9 defeat against the Buffalo Bills in 2020.
To make matters worse, Belichick made the decision to pull quarterback Mac Jones early in the fourth quarter when the Saints were leading 31-0.
Backup quarterback Bailey Zappe took over for the remainder of the game.
Jones has been struggling, throwing his third pick-six of the season in the first quarter against the Saints.
Despite his poor performance, Belichick had chosen to stick with him after the loss to Dallas.
However, Zappe received more reps in practice this week, indicating that the Patriots may be considering a change at the quarterback position.
The Patriots have not scored a touchdown since the first half of Week Three, highlighting the need for changes in their offensive strategy.
Even if they decide to continue with Jones as their quarterback, adjustments must be made to improve their results.
The loss to the Saints also marks the first time the Patriots have been shut out at home since 2016.
With a record of 1-4, the team is off to their worst start since 200.
Looking ahead, the Patriots will face the Las Vegas Raiders in their next game, where former Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, now the Raiders’ head coach, will serve as a reminder of past offensive successes in New England.
With this win, the Saints now have a record of 3-2 and will face the Houston Texans in their next game.
