Bill Belichick Wins Coach of the Year: Did He Deserve It?

 On Wednesday, the Associated Press honored the New England Patriots' Bill Belichick as the coach of the year. But does the hoodie from New England deserve it? 

Before I start analyzing this, let me make it clear that the postseason does not have any effect on the award. So, the man-handling the New York Jets had over the Patriots is meaningless. 

Belichick led a rebuilding team to a league best 14-2 record. People might argue that New England isn't rebuilding, but take a look at its roster. 

On the defensive side of the ball, this is completely revamped squad, much different from years past. 

Arguably, the Patriots best defensive player was their rookie cornerback, Devin McCourty. Straight out of Rutgers, McCourty was thrown into the team's No. 1 corner role and was a shut-down corner all year long. His performance this season earned himself a Pro Bowl honor. 

The Patriots also featured another rookie in a starting position with linebacker Brandon Spikes. He played extremely impressive throughout the year, and improved as the year went along.

Just a few years ago, the Patriots had leaders at just about every defensive position: Linebacker Tedy Bruschi, safety Rodney Harrison and defensive linemen Richard Seymour.

Now Belichick has young players in those roles: Linebacker Jerod Mayo, safety Brandon Meriweather and defensive linemen Vince Wilfork. 

The rebuilding on the fly has been done with no defensive coordinator, and Belichick was more involved in the defense this year than ever before. 

On the opposite side of the ball, you might find it hard to believe that the offense is a complete overhaul.

In addition to veteran quarterback Tom Brady, the Patriots brought in new faces this year that have become stars. 

Rookie tight ends Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez looked like five-year pros in 2010, while running backs Danny Woodhead and BenJarvus Green-Ellis gave the Patriots a running game that they haven't seen since 2004.

Not only did the Patriots have young guys in a lot of starting positions, Belichick traded the team's No. 1 receiver, Randy Moss, mid-season.

Experts made it clear that the Patriots would feel the lack of Moss's presence, because he was no longer there to "spread the field" and "to take the top off of the defense."

Well, that was wrong.

New England's offense was atop the NFL this year, while the Patriots scored 30-plus points in eight straight games.  

So, to answer the question, does Belichick deserve this award? 

Yeah, he sure does. 

The Patriots were the best team in football this year during the regular season. It did not work out in the playoffs, but this is a regular season award. 

NOTE: This article was first seen at PatriotsPlus.net.

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