The New England Patriots are a surprise package in 2021. First 2-4, then 9-4, now 9-6: Coach Bill Belichick hopes to have it right in January in time for the playoffs.

Munich – Bill Belichick looked a little reserved.

But the New England Patriots coach remained his usual polite self when asked about his New Year’s resolutions for a special story.

After a 21-33 loss to the Buffalo Bills, an unusual question, but more importantly, a bad time.

This is the single-most courageous journalist I’ve ever seen in my life. pic.twitter.com/kDJdzgym6N

– Jimmy Traina (@JimmyTraina) December 26, 2021

“Not now,” Belichick then said, putting the questioner off: “Maybe next week. “

Sporting question marks

Because right now Belichick has other problems than his 2022 resolutions, because the Patriots themselves are causing plenty of sporting question marks at the moment. After the last seven wins in a row, the bye week seems to have thrown the team off track, with both games lost since then.

With the loss to the Bills, the Patriots – both with a 9-6 record – have lost the lead in the AFC East to their rivals. The Patriots are currently in sixth place in the playoff picture. At the moment, the Pats would have to play the Cincinnati Bengals in the Wild Card Round.

What is more of a headache, however, are the fluctuating performances.

“The last couple of weeks have been disappointing, but we’re going to turn it around and move on now to Jacksonville and then play the last game and see where we go from there,” Belichick said on the Greg Hill Show. The final two games are against the Jaguars and Miami Dolphins. The playoffs shouldn’t be the problem, surviving the postseason should be.

“We still have a lot under control,” Belichick said, “These are the important games of the year. “

Up in January?

Because crunch time is slowly approaching. Then it’s a matter of being ready to the point.

“Hopefully we can play our best football in January,” Belichick said. “That’s what we need to do and that’s what we’ve set out to do. We’re going to work hard to get that done.”