Bill Belichick’s Patriots are officially out of the 2024 NFL playoffs contention in Week 14

After closing his cleats for the Michigan team, NFL legend Tom Brady moonlighted as a hero for the New England Patriots to let Bill Belichick clinch six Super Bowls within two decades, with the support of Llyod Carr. Nevertheless, since Brady’s departure, the Patriots have found themselves in the throes of a challenging era, unable to recapture the glory that defined their previous dynasty.

As the Patriots navigated through a season marked by disappointment and a series of setbacks, Week 14 of the NFL served as a stark reminder of the bygone era of Brady’s dominance. The team’s struggles have prompted fans to reflect on the unparalleled success witnessed during the Brady-Belichick partnership.

Bill Belichick’s Patriots are officially out of playoff contention

Belichick’s team faced a definitive blow as they are now officially eliminated from playoff contention this season. It is a rarity for a franchise accustomed to postseason success.

Despite their recent victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Patriots’ postseason hopes were shattered when the Cincinnati Bengals secured a decisive win against the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday, per Sports Illustrated.

This marks a significant departure for the Patriots, as it’s the first time since the turn of the century (1999-2000) that they have failed to reach the AFC playoffs. The elimination also holds historical weight, as the Patriots have been ousted prior to the final week of the season for the first time since the latter part of the 1999-2000 campaign.

The current season has presented unprecedented challenges for the Patriots, with a 3-10 record, nearing Belichick’s most defeats in a season during the ill-fated 2000 campaign. The seasoned head coach known for his remarkable success, despite vying to outshine Don Shula, is navigating through a two-year playoff drought, a stark departure from the nine Super Bowl berths and six wins he has achieved during his tenure.

While the Patriots had a convoluted path to the playoffs until Sunday morning, the season has been marred by offensive struggles, critical injuries to key players, and the absence of proven playmakers. Mac Jones, who started the season as the quarterback, has faced a loss of confidence, leading to his replacement by Bailey Zappe in the last two games.

NFL fans miss Tom Brady after Patriots’ elimination

In Tom Brady’s illustrious two-decade tenure with the New England Patriots, he never participated in a season where the team found itself out of playoff contention. However, since Brady’s departure, the team’s notable struggle has come to the forefront.

Despite being labeled the “best coach” in the NFL by the seven-time Super Bowl champion, Bill Belichick’s challenges without Brady have left fans frustrated, leading some to question Brady’s assessment of Belichick’s coaching prowess.

Since Brady’s exit from the Patriots in 2020, debates have ensued regarding whether Belichick or Brady deserves more credit for the team’s dynasty. Analysts, acknowledging Bill’s coaching dominance and distinguished background, have leaned toward crediting his coaching prowess. 

While Shannon Sharpe recognizes Brady for saving the grace of Belichick’s team for two decades, some New England fans contend that the Patriots’ legacy is solely Brady’s contribution to the league. 

Since the start of the season, the Patriots’ struggle was notable that even raised questions on their head coach’s job security amid his “silent” deal with the team. Hence, the fans were ready to witness such a scenario even before it was made public.

Do you think Bill Belichick’s era will end after this season, given his failure to guide the team like before?