It looks like we are barely weeks away from an period-making event in the history of the New England Patriots.
All signs are pointing to the fact that, after being with the franchise for 24 years, the iconic Bill Belichick will manage his last game for the Patriots in just five weeks.
We're five weeks away from what most likely be Bill Belichick's last game with the Patriots. What will happen next? https://t.co/6F20cvmgEu
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) December 3, 2023
Coupled with a disastrous 2023, it could indeed signal a momentous turning point for the Patriots, who will soon be navigating uncharted waters.
The 2023 Patriots landed squarely in the “hot mess” category, struggling in ways unimaginable during their glory days.
The first humbling moment came several days ago when the Patriots’ Week 15 game against the Chiefs was flexed out from Monday night—a first in NFL history.
The Patriots’ performance this season became so concerning that the NFL decided to strike off Mahomes’ game from prime time.
This Thursday too, the Patriots are scheduled to face the Steelers on Amazon.
The promotional material during the Seahawks-Cowboys game featured Belichick’s image, given the team’s lack of star power.
As the Patriots continue to falter, their plight becomes increasingly hard to ignore.
When it comes to Christmas eve, the Broncos will host the Patriots in a standalone game on the NFL Network.
Denver, the contender, will face a spoiler in the Patriots. Their lackluster performance seems to be prompting fans to choose George Bailey or Ralphie Parker’s exploits over their game.
Belichick’s possible farewell will come in Week 18, with a home game against the Jets, a team which Belichick once coached even though briefly.
Though it’s almost a foregone conclusion that Belichick will be departing the Patriots, his exit modality remains a mystery.
Will he be fired, or will he quit? Will he choose to retire, or will there be a mutual parting between him and the Patriots?
The Patriots may want to wait for a trade proposition for Belichick’s contract from another team. However, their need to hunt for a new coach may expedite the process, leading to a decision that isn’t seen as an outright firing.
Such a move does not come without its risks. If the Patriots price Belichick too highly, he may choose to stay and continue coaching them.
Moreover, Belichick, being the strategist he is, would prefer to limit any draft picks his future employer may have to surrender for him.
Belichick would ideally want to be a free agent, while the Patriots would desire compensation.
Belichick could resist the Patriots’ attempts at securing compensation by deciding to stay put.
This situation could evolve into a fascinating face-off between Belichick and Patriots owner Robert Kraft.
This standoff threatens to be more compelling than any Patriots games this year, reflecting on how far the team has fallen.
As safety Jabrill Peppers aptly noted after their recent loss to the Giants, the 2023 Patriots have been disappointing, to say the least.
