Bill Belichick has been the central figure in the success of the New England Patriots in the last two decades. But ever since Tom Brady left the organization, things haven’t been the same.

The Patriots missed out on the playoff berth for the second time in three years without Brady. And that has brought scrutiny over Belichick’s future as the franchise head coach.

Belichick took a silent shot at his current QB Mac Jones for his performance this season. And he also reflected on his own future in the league.

Bill Belichick takes a shot at Mac Jones

Bill Belichick addressed several issues in a Monday press conference at Foxborough after the Patriots season ended in a disappointing fashion. He took a silent shot at his young QB Mac Jones, who has been in headlines all through the regular season.

Although he backed Jones to be a successful QB in the league, Belichick said that the team needs to be more productive than this season. This statement was surely aimed at Jones.

“I think Mac has the ability to play quarterback in this league. We have to all work together to try to find the best way as a football team — which obviously, quarterback is an important position — to be more productive than we were this year,’’ Belichick said, via the Boston Globe.

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He then addressed his future as the Patriots head coach, a position he has held since the turn of the century 23 years ago. He talked about planning for next season, clearly indicating that he intends to come back again for a 24th season.

“That’s all of us,” he said of people wishing to improve from a dismal record this season. “Accountability everywhere, starting with me, the coaching staff, players, each unit. They are all things that we will address, and that process will start, probably later,” Belichick added.

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The Patriots missed the playoffs by a whisker this season. They needed to win against the in-form Buffalo Bills to seal a berth. But the Bills proved too hot to handle in the final game.

The Patriots woes continue 

The Patriots are one of the most successful franchises in recent NFL history. They have six Super wins since 2001 to show for it. And Belichick established himself as the second most successful coach in NFL history, just behind the legendary Don Shula.

But that was when they had Tom Brady under the center. Since his departure to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the 2020 offseason, the Patriots have made it to the playoffs just one.

And they lost that game too. So, Belichick has never won a playoff game without Brady. His frustration with Mac Jones can be understood in that light. Will Belichick and Jones turn a corner next season?

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