Bill Belichick's Stubborness May Prove Costly for Pats

 The New England Patriots have undoubtedly been the NFL’s model franchise over the past decade. The Pats have won a league best 121 regular season games since the ’01 season and in the process, captured three Super Bowl victories.

During their Super Bowl winning years, the Patriots were among the best defensive teams in the league. Their defense combined extremely talented players such as Ty Law and Richard Seymour, with gritty, leaders such as Tedi Bruschi and Ted Johnson.

In recent years, the talent on the defensive side of the ball has taken a major hit. The team refused to resign star cornerback Asante Samuel following the 2007 season, and traded one of the best players in franchise history, defensive end Richard Seymour, to the Oakland Raiders prior to the ’09 season.

Other factors including the retirement of defensive leaders such as Rodney Harrison and Bruschi, have contributed to the decline in defensive production.

Last season the Pats ranked 25^th in total defense and are even worse this year ranking dead last. In six of their seven games this season the team has allowed the opposing quarterback to throw for over 300 yards.

Coach Bill Belichick, a supposed defensive guru, has refused to modify his “bend but not break” defensive approach. Last week the Steelers controlled the ball for almost twice as long as the Patriots, enabling them to keep Tom Brady off the field. The Steelers were able to connect on eight to ten yard passes at will, as the Patriots cornerbacks sat back in their usual soft zone defense.

Belichick has had trouble drafting impactful defensive players in recent years. High draft picks such as Darius Butler, Brandon Merriweather, and Terrance Wheatley, failed to become consistent contributors and have all moved on to new teams.

Following the departure of Player Personal Executive Scott Pioli, Belichick has become responsible for all personal moves. The minimal defensive talent Belichick has been able to acquire creates questions about his ability to evaluate talent. Despite being one of, if not the most successful coaches in NFL history, it may be time for Belichick to give up some of his responsibility.