The New England Patriots are on the verge of another loss to potentially end the Bill Belichick era. Yet the head coach isn’t showing much urgency.
England fell behind 27-10 to the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday. Early in the fourth quarter, Belichick’s offense faced a 4th-and-3 at their own 42.
Given the vast deficit, the Patriots had no reasonable choice beyond going for it. Belichick, however, elected to punt instead.
Fans panned Belichick for seemingly throwing in the towel.
“Waive the white flag. 4th and 3 at midfield down 17 in the 4th and you’re punting? Maybe Belichick has assurances he’s back and wants to make sure he’s got that top 2 pick because this isn’t a move to try to win the game,” former NFL offensive lineman Mitchell Schwartz wrote.
Waive the white flag. 4th and 3 at midfield down 17 in the 4th and you’re punting? Maybe Belichick has assurances he’s back and wants to make sure he’s got that top 2 pick because this isn’t a move to try to win the game
— Mitchell Schwartz (@MitchSchwartz71) December 17, 2023
“Another cowardly punt from Belichick,” a fan declared.
Another cowardly punt from Belichick lol
— Brian (@BestBallBrian) December 17, 2023
“Belichick is so washed. Inexcusable punt,” a fan said.
LMAO Belichick is so washed. Inexcusable punt
— TheFFOracle (@TheFFOracle) December 17, 2023
“That punt by Belichick shows the game has passed him by,” a fan claimed.
That punt by belichick shows the game has passed him by #patr
— Tommy Mack (@TommyMa71417696) December 17, 2023
On the following possession, Belichick punted again rather than try a 4th-and-4. The Patriots punted on four straight drives with just 18 total yards after Bailey Zappe opened the second half with an interception.
However, Jahlani Tavai retrieved the ball for New England’s offense by picking off Patrick Mahomes. Kevin Harris ran for an 18-yard touchdown, narrowing the deficit to 27-17.
The game isn’t entirely out of reach, but Belichick isn’t coaching with any aspirations of actually winning. A loss would drop New England to 3-11, bringing the Pats one more loss away from the worst season in Belichick’s 24-year tenure.