New England Patriots: Genius of Bill Belichick now takes center stage

Following their first loss of the 2019 NFL season, the New England Patriots suddenly seem vulnerable which puts the spotlight on Bill Belichick.

Let’s face it. The New England Patriots got it handed to them last Sunday night at the hands of Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens.

That doesn’t mean they aren’t good anymore. That doesn’t mean Tom Brady is washed up and it sure doesn’t mean the dynasty is over.

In dropping to 8-1 going into their bye week, the 37-20 beatdown in Baltimore was a wakeup call for Bill Belichick and the defending Super Bowl champions. For a team that hasn’t lost since early December of 2018, the way they loss was a necessary lesson that they do have some things to work on if they want to come out of the AFC and compete for another Super Bowl championship.

In fact, this is where things get interesting for the coaching genius of Bill Belichick. With a defense that has been No. 1 in the league going into the Ravens game, the glaring weakness in the run defense will be challenged by teams in their upcoming schedule.

As we know, the Patriots are onto the bye week and then onto the Philadelphia Eagles. But you better believe the mistakes the team made and how they defended Jackson and the Ravens multifaceted offense will be addressed.

If any coach can solve what occurred on Sunday night, it is Bill Belichick.

More from New England Patriots

"“Well, we’ll look at Baltimore because that is fresh and there are certainly a lot of things we can learn from that game,” Belichick said during an appearance on Ordway, Merloni & Fauria Monday, via WEEI. “We’ll look at the things we feel like can. Help our team going forward to include the next seven games and to some degree the Eagles, although we’ll have time to get ready for the Eagles. There will be time to get to them, but there may be some things – that is kind of one of the things we’ll talk about today and maybe a little bit tomorrow morning about where we can get the most benefit out of it.”"

While the New England Patriots defense has been the bright spot of the team prior to the loss to the Baltimore Ravens, Belichick does recognize the entire team has things to work on.

Tom Brady and the offense did find some rhythm with Mohamed Sanu and Julian Edelman anchoring the quick tempo passing game, but they have to get Sony Michel and the running game going. They also need to sure up that offensive line. They will receive some help with the probable return of Isaiah Wynn. Even then, offensive linemen like Marcus Cannon and Shaq Mason has to play at the level they are capable of.

The Patriots also have to get more out of the tight end position. A healthy Matt LaCosse, along with Ben Watson should be enough. If it is not, look for those Rob Gronkowski rumors to swirl wildly once again.

Next. Patriots: 3 things we learned from Week 9 loss in Baltimore. dark

In all, Bill Belichick and his coaching staff have some coaching to do even at 8-1 and still the No. 1 seed in the AFC. Teams like the Baltimore Ravens, Houston Texans and Kansas City Chiefs all have the tools to knock off the champions. Belichick knows if they aren’t willing to fight back, that knockout punch can come in the playoffs from any of those teams mentioned above.

Home/New England Patriots