The pressure is on Bill Belichick, at least according to Max Kellerman.
On ESPN’s “First Take” Monday, the reviled talking head discussed the state of the never-ending Brady and Belichick debate. Like nearly everybody, Kellerman believes Tom Brady showed last season he was the focal point of the Patriots’ dynasty. Brady won the Super Bowl in Tampa Bay, whereas Belichick went 7-9.
With that in mind, Kellerman says Belichick is coaching for more than his personal pride this year. He’s coaching for his legacy.
“In real world experiments — I can give you all the excuses for Belichick — but nobody is going to remember that,” Kellerman said. “They’re going to remember what Bill Belichick did without Tom Brady. This season his legacy is on the line.”
While Belichick’s reputation took a hit last year, it’s far-fetched to say his legacy is on the line in 2021. After all, Belichick has won six Super Bowls with the Patriots. Two mediocre seasons wouldn’t wipe that away.
But as Belichick nears 70, time is running out for him to prove the Patriots weren’t only a TB12 operation. Former safety Ryan Clark, who joined Kellerman for the segment, said ex-Patriots, including Asante Samuel, have told him they credit Brady for the team’s extraordinary success.
If Brady’s Bucs dramatically outperform the Patriots again, Belichick will look even worse. That’s for sure.
“The answer is going to be, by and large, Tom Brady,” Kellerman said. “Even people like me who said Belichick all these years are going to have to say ‘extenuating circumstances be damned. This is what actually wound up happening. This is the evidence that we have. It’s imperfect, but it’s what we’ve got.”
After shelling out a record $159.6 million in free agent guarantees, it’s apparent the Patriots are trying to win now. Kellerman’s riff is a reminder that once again, this season will be viewed through the “Brady vs. Belichick” lens.
The Patriots host the Buccaneers at Gillette Stadium Oct. 3.