Patriots Gridiron News: Bill Belichick clearly loves his football team

Following another Super Bowl berth, New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick can’t stop gushing about his football team.

New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick doesn’t have the most talented players in the NFL, but that’s just the way he wants it.

Following an epic 37-31 overtime victory over the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Championship Game on Sunday, the usually emotionless head coach softened ever so slightly in praise of his football team.  It showed in the award ceremony and the praise continued on Monday afternoon during his appearance on Ordway, Merloni & Fauria.

"“I love this team, I love our players,” Belichick said, as transcribed by WEEI.  “I love the way they played.  I loved the way they played and competed last night [Sunday night].  It wasn’t perfect, but they gave everything they had, and that is all you can ask for as a coach.  And I would say the coaching staff, me included, gave everything we had.  We made mistakes and there were things we could have done better too, but we all put it all out there and thankfully we were able to win in overtime.”More from Chowder and Champions3 Midseason Chaim Bloom Decisions That Have Killed the 2023 Red Sox10 Patriots Who Will Be Cut by Tuesday’s Roster DeadlineMLB Screws Red Sox Fans With Broadcast for Mookie Betts Return3 Most Underpaid Celtics Heading Into the 2023 SeasonRed Sox Continue Rollercoaster Season With Massive Win"

That praise is deserved.  What the New England Patriots were able to accomplish on Sunday was nothing short of extraordinary.  With a roster that has been considered the least talented Patriots team in years, Belichick has managed to get the best out of each and every player.

Defining the team concept

Offensively, they have turned to a power running game behind the tremendous play of an offensive line that has been getting the job done.  They have an ageless quarterback in Tom Brady motivated and leading the way, but they also have playmakers in Julian Edelman and Rob Gronkowski doing whatever it takes to win football games.

Defensively, they just have players.  Stephon Gilmore is really the only player who stands out as elite, but the contributions they get from players like Trey Flowers and Kyle Van Noy cannot be ignored.  In holding the Chiefs to zero points in the first half and limiting players like Tyreek Hill and Travis Kelce, the entire defense gave everything they got in executing an effective game plan put forth by both Bill Belichick and defensive play caller Brian Flores.

But what stood out about the entire team was their mental toughness playing in a tough stadium like Arrowhead Stadium against a team like the Chiefs.  Even in taking a 14-0 lead, there was no doubt Patrick Mahomes and that high-octane offense was going to strike.  When they did, the New England Patriots didn’t wilt.  They punched back defining an identity that was missing all season long.

"“What a remarkable game that was last night,” Belichick continued.  “I was so proud of our players and staff.  Back-and-forth game, but we just kept competing and, in the end, made a little bit more, made a couple more plays than the Chiefs did.  They are a good football team.  It’s a tough place to play, but you have to give our guys so much credit for the heart, determination and toughness that they showed.”"

Overall, what Bill Belichick has gotten out of this New England Patriots roster is nothing short of amazing.  They have battled some injuries, have endured the loss of Josh Gordon towards the end of the season and through all of it was coming into the season with rumored tension flying high between Belichick and Tom Brady.

In a season in which the dynasty was deemed over time and time again, here we are just a couple weeks away from a Super Bowl LIII appearance against the Los Angeles Rams.

The praise is well deserved.