Bill Belichick: Coach on the Decline?

Following the New England Patriots' embarrassing home defeat yesterday to the Baltimore Ravens, I couldn't help but think that maybe Bill's glory days are over.

Although the Patriots' 2009 campaign has had its success at times, it has also had its down sides. 

With six losses on the regular season to the New York Jets, Denver Broncos, Indianapolis Colts, New Orleans Saints, Miami Dolphins and Houston Texans, the Patriots were left scratching their heads after numerous games where their team simply didn't perform.

The first thought that pops into my head is the infamous fourth down call where the Patriots chose to go for it. Ordinarily Tom Brady and the Patriots would punt, but what made Bill think it was a good idea to go for it? I guess we'll never know.

Another classic example of Bill's showmanship and integrity was evident when Wes Welker was forced to sit out Sunday's Wild Card match against the Baltimore Ravens due to a knee injury. Bill has always been a man of few words, but it almost seemed like he couldn't be bothered with telling the press anything.

One positive note for Patriot fans to keep in mind though, is that Bill has had his success in New England. Three Super Bowl rings, numerous AFC Playoff appearances, and above all, two AP NFL Coach of the Year Awards. 

So Patriots fans don't have much to complain about, right?

Wrong. For a team that is so used to success (at least in recent years), Patriot fans wouldn't be fond of losing games. You only have to go on a few forums to see how heated New England fans were following their shock loss yesterday.

For Bill Belichick to go, it would leave a hole in a team that they simply couldn't fill. Arguably one of the best coaches to ever put on a headset, the league would be noticeably different without the crooked and dull smile of Mr. Bill Belichick.

But one day he will have to retire, and at the moment it is looking like it could be in the near future. Maybe not next season, but the one after could be a possibility. From a team that was the glory team of the last decade, to a team that is struggling to post wins even against the weakest of teams, Bill's head coaching spot may be in jeopardy following another disappointing season.

Patriot fans, don't panic yet. It's still a long way off. Just something to think about in the long run.