The New England Patriots have taken over the top spot in the AFC East. Is the team already stepping out of the giant shadow of the Tom Brady era? Bill Belichick stays true to himself

Munich/Foxborough – You can approach it with euphoria, analyse the situation with the New England Patriots with due enthusiasm. With plenty of optimism and maybe even an announcement or two. To the critics, to the pessimists.

Turnaround already a success? Looks like the Tom Brady era is over, with young star Mac Jones as the new leader and face of the franchise, a new, exciting phase in the team’s history is about to begin.

Or you could do what Bill Belichick did.

“No, I don’t really think about that,” Belichick said Monday on “The Greg Hill Show.” “We’re just going to take it one day at a time and get ready for Tennessee.”

Certainly not a wrong approach. You could put it more emotionally, but Belichick prefers to stay true to himself.

New England Patriots take their mantra to heart

Nobody can pull the euphoria plug on enthusiasts as calmly and at the same time as lastingly as the coaching legend. “Do Your Job!” is, after all, the Patriots’ motto.

And after a 2-4 start, things are going better and better, most recently five wins in a row with an impressive 175:50 points. And the reasons for this success can be found everywhere, because many adjustments have been made.

One important point: quarterback Mac Jones, who doesn’t stand for spectacular stats but is on his way to pulverising Dak Prescott’s passing accuracy as a rookie (70.2 to 67.8 percent). He knows how to run the offense. The O-line protects the rookie to the best of its ability, and the good running game takes the pressure off him. This allows him to develop to the best of his ability in the running game without losing confidence.

This is how the offence – in which German fullback Jakob Johnson also plays a key role – finds a balance that could make it possible for a rookie playmaker to lead a team to a Super Bowl victory for the first time.

Super Bowl victory?

Yes, the Patriots have become the dark horse, the secret favourite. Their 7-4 record puts them atop the AFC East and third in the conference.

Elementary rule being served

Also because an elementary rule is being served: Defense wins championships. The Pats have allowed 177 points. That’s fifth-best in the Belichick era behind 2019 (117), 2006 (144), 2004 (174) and 2003 (175). In 2003 and 2004, the title was clinched.

The defence is the showpiece, whether it’s Matthew Judon with his 10.5 sacks, J.C. Jackson with seven interceptions or veterans Dont’a Hightower and Kyle Van Noy. The fact that 140 million dollars were invested in new players in free agency is becoming more and more noticeable.

And of course: Belichick himself is also a factor, he can surprise, he can shape champions.

Another important reason besides his own strength is the weakness of the competition. The Buffalo Bills (6-4) were soundly beaten by the Indianapolis Colts 15:41 into Week 11. The Dolphins are 4-7 after a win over division rival New York Jets (2-8). All not great.

And the Baltimore Ravens (7-3) are still ahead of the Patriots in the conference, as are the Tennessee Titans (8-3), who are without running back superstar Derrick Henry and are coming off an embarrassing 13-22 loss to the Houston Texans in Week 11.

Titans game as finger pointing

The Titans’ next opponent is the Patriots in Week 12 next weekend. So it’s a landmark game for both teams.

“Mike did a great job at Tennessee,” said Belichick, who coached Vrabel in Foxborough from 2001 to 2008.

“It’s going to be a great challenge and Tennessee is a good football team, one of the best teams in the league,” Belichick praised the opponent. “We’ll do our best to prepare and be ready to go on Sunday.”

That would have been another moment for euphoria, for an announcement. But Belichick remains true to himself.