New England Patriots: 5 observations from statement win over Vikings

5 of 6

New England Patriots Bill Belichick (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images) /

Belichick throws the F–bomb

It’s rare to see Bill Belichick animated. The typically stoic coach went off during the 24-10 victory over the Minnesota Vikings.

After challenging a fourth-and-1 call with 8:34 left in the final frame, Belichick was seen aiming f—bombs in the direction of Vikings wide receiver Adam Thielen who was also animated.

Apparently, Thielen wasn’t too happy with Patrick Chung appearing to be injured on the play to extend time for Belichick to be able to challenge the call. The Vikings won the challenge, but it appeared the New England Patriots coach won the verbal battle.

More from New England Patriots

Following the game, both sides downplayed the exchange. Belichick said the two were just exchanging holiday greetings.

Thielen offered a little more.

"“I just thought the play was cheap,” Thielen said following the game. “I wasn’t directing it towards him, I just thought the play was cheap. Like I said, I let the emotions get the best of me because it is a smart football play. If you are in that situation, why not? It’s not cheating because there’s no rule against it from a guy going down and I didn’t know if he was hurt or not – he might have been fine. That is what it is.”"

Adam Thielen was also frustrated the Patriots held him in check mostly the entire game. So, perhaps that was where the real emotions were coming from. Despite the exchange, it kind of sounds like Thielen could end up being coached by Belichick before either career is through.

A lot of times, that kind of exchange is about mutual respect.

Home/New England Patriots