Under the Hood
The end of an era never arrives gracefully. Some end in a congenial manner, some for unforeseen personal reasons like family or health but for the most part they come to halt because of one thing… time.
An era doesn’t just exist in sports, it can be in corporate America, higher education and of course in politics. Successful performance typically dictates the length of it but some are curtailed by laws (term limits and bylaws for example). Sports however is purely based on the bottom line; winning and losing.
We here in the New England area have been witness to two such eras; where a local team’s success lasted for a very long time; which introduced the word - dynasty. The Boston Celtics of the late 1950s and through the 60s were at the pinnacle of their sport, led by the iconic Red Auerbach. Bill Russell was there for most of the titles until Father time caught up with he and his teammates eventually ending a remarkable run.
This past Thursday, owner Robert Kraft and Coach Bill Belichick announced a “mutual” decision to end their two decade long relationship with both parties looking to move in a different direction. This was not so surprising to most but still a shocking development that officially closes the book on one of sport’s greatest dynasties and eras. Shit, 24 years of coexistence between coach / manager and ownership in any sport is unheard of and may never be seen again but it stills hurts a bit.
10 Super Bowl appearances, 6 titles, 9 AFC Championship games, 30 playoff games and the list goes on. Under Bill’s regime, the Patriots turned into a modern day juggernaut and I’m here to tell you that contrary to their lackluster performance in the last few seasons, we shouldn’t diminish what was built here in Fort Foxborough.
The advent and onslaught of social media and the talking heads of sports left a bit of bitter taste in the mouths of Pats fans in leaning almost universally towards a serving up the biggest piece of the blame pie in Bill’s lap. King Robert and Royal Prince Jonathon somehow come out of this unscathed. I find it hard to believe that Bill’s decisions over the years especially when dealing with contracts and money had nothing to do with the Royal family, though that’s certainly the impression that Robert so deftly left us with at last week’s press conference. I suppose when the hand is shook and the contract is quietly signed to be the highest paid coach in all of football, then it’s your sword that you’ll have to fall on.
Now before you think that I am a Bill pajama wearing fan that thinks that he was wronged and was without fault, that would be far from the truth. He was publicly rude when it was almost never needed. He tried to belittle most members of the media even when asking pertinent questions. His GM acumen was less than stellar as displayed by his bypassing of “skill” players on many occasions because he felt the fit wasn’t right. Also, his personal vendettas towards players that broke rank or just didn’t want to play ball with him and the organization are legendary (i.e. Malcom Butler, Logan Mankins, Lawyer Milloy etc…) No one likes the guy that acts like he’s the smartest person in the room! Except he usually was…
He did manage to squeeze Super Bowls out of players like Junior Seau, Roman Phifer and Antowain Smith when their careers were seemingly over. Bringing in “problem” players like Corey Dillon and Randy Moss along with some elite talent like Darrelle Revis and Brandon Browner was done with the intent of one thing and one thing only; to make his team better. Free agent pickups of Mike Vrabel, Donte Stallworth and LeGarrette Blount seem to work ok. Trading a 4th round for Wes Welker for a decade was seen as the greatest heist in history. He let players go in recent years that the organization didn’t want to pony up for and in hindsight, not all decisions were poor ones (see: JC Jackson). He had the foresight to bring in Gronk and Aaron Hernandez to change the offense, of course not all decisions pan out in the long run. Drafting a division two QB in the 7th round without really a position for him but Bill felt that he was a football player, thanks JE!!
I could on and on but my reason for this retort of the Bill hate machine was just to point out that he was a pretty good coach and at times his personnel moves worked out. Coaches coach and players play! How is it that most ex-players speak highly of their time in Fort Foxborough with this coach. Yes, some acknowledge that it wasn’t always easy but the man is without a doubt a football savant. I don’t think he thought Mac Jones would fall to pieces but a competent QB might have gotten another few wins this season.
Anyway, do I think it’s time? Yes.
Do I think that the game has changed on him and his moves have not kept up? Yes.
Do I think that the Royal family upstairs actually did offer to give him anything he needed? Who the hell knows, certainly its water under the proverbial bridge at this point.
I’d like to thank that obtuse, arrogant, condescending shell of a man for helping to provide us with an era for the ages. We all thank you for the memories. Now…its onto…
