With the departure of Tom Brady from the New England Patriots, a new era began in Boston. For Bill Belichick, it is exactly the challenge he had probably wanted for several years. He wants to show the “football world” that he can also be successful without the “GOAT”. After a transitional year in 2020, the head coach seems to be well on his way.

Munich – For a long time, Bill Belichick and Tom Brady were the NFL’s dream duo. Between 2000 and 2019, the two won six Super Bowl titles together and dominated the AFC at will.

But where there is success, there are critics. Over the years, the narrative developed that Belichick and Brady could only succeed as a tandem.

Bounce after a year without Brady

This is also said to have played a role in Brady’s 2020 departure. The superstar quarterback moved to Florida and joined the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. There he achieved what few had thought he would: In his first season with his new team, the veteran won the Super Bowl again. His seventh, but his first without Coach Belichick on the sidelines.

While his former protégé picked up exactly where he left off in New England, Belichick’s first season without Brady was much less successful. The Patriots finished the 2020 season with a record of 7-9. It was the worst since 2000. Experts saw their speculations confirmed.

Less than a year later, however, the tide has completely turned.

In the draft, New England selected Mac Jones at the 15th spot. The quarterback from the Alabama Crimson Tide convinced the officials so much that they sent the actual starter, Cam Newton, out the door shortly before the season started. So the rookie was in charge of the offense right from the start.

Belichick takes money in hand

And they made sure the rookie had enough weapons in the offense. In the offseason, the Patriots invested real money for the first time in years. Around $160 million was spent by the Foxborough team.

Jonnu Smith, Hunter Henry, Kendrick Bourne – to name just a few names – now ensure that Jones has various starting positions at his disposal, with whom he knows the ball is in good hands.

The Patriots also acquired Matt Judon from free agency. The already strong defence was further strengthened by the linebacker and the return of Dont’a Hightower.

It goes without saying that defensive guru Belichick is involved in all of these signings. For years he has been de facto general manager in addition to his position as head coach.

Once again, he was right on the money with the new additions. After twelve games, the Pats’ defence is the best in the league (15.8 points).

Rex Ryan, former head coach of the New York Jets and current NFL expert, praised his colleague after the convincing 45-7 victory over the Cleveland Browns in Week 10: “This season is the best season Bill Belichick has ever coached. It’s not just the pure coaching, it’s what he’s done in the offseason. That’s what sets Belichick apart from everyone else. “

From “dark horse” to co-favourite

After a bumpy start to the current season, the Patriots have now gone undefeated for six games and are in second place in the conference. Jones, Judon and Co. have long since gone from being secret favourites to clear candidates to win the AFC.

Belichick’s influence can be clearly felt and seen. The now 69-year-old has made it his mission to succeed even without Brady.

With Mac Jones, he is currently developing a “Brady clone”, he is finally “allowed” to develop a quarterback again. Belichick probably already had that in mind with Jimmy Garoppolo. Which Brady is said not to have really liked at the time – after all, he was the unrestricted Patriots leader on the turf.

The relationship between the two alpha dogs is said to have suffered considerably from this fact in the last few years.

For both of them, the separation seems to have been a good thing in the end. Brady is currently having the time of his life. Just remember the “Bucs parade” after the Super Bowl victory, when a visibly drunk Brady threw the Vince Lombardi Trophy from boat to boat.

However, the Belichick/Brady era would still have to deliver one highlight: a Super Bowl between the Tampa Bay Bucaneers and the New England Patriots. With Belichick as reigning “Coach of the Year” and Brady as “MVP”. The stories would virtually write themselves.