Three-time pro bowler predicts Bill Belichick’s departure as Patriots sink further with losing streak

The New England Patriots had been well-handled by head coach Bill Belichick when his GOAT quarterback Tom Brady was at the helm. Since the veteran left New England to play for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Pats are on the losing end only. Belichick, who was once regarded as one of the most successful HCs in the NFL, has now get embroiled in a poor losing streak.

The Patriots secured only two wins in the 2023 NFL season against ten losses. The way the team is heading, there is no way it would see a good future in upcoming games. Meanwhile, like other critics, a former NFL player predicted Belichick’s potential departure from the team if he fails to turn the wheel in their favor.

Shawn Merriman predicts tough times ahead for Bill Belichick

The Patriots were a perennial powerhouse in the NFL for over two decades and have now found themselves in unfamiliar territory with the worst record in the AFC. As the team grapples with this unexpected slump, speculations about their strategies for the upcoming draft and the future of their coaching staff had been a focal point of discussion lately.

Shawn Merriman recently shared his perspective on the Patriots’ ongoing struggles while appearing on Don’t @ Me with Dan Dakich. He pointed out that the team’s decline was perhaps inevitable following the departure of their legendary Tom Brady, in 2019. The veteran said after a prolonged two-decade success, a rebuilding phase becomes unavoidable for any team.

“The Patriots had two decades of a great quarterback, a great system, and there’s an unlimited amount of times within those two decades to get a ring. After that, there’s a rebuilding era for every team – for all 32 teams when you have that three to five-year period, there’s a rebuilding phase”, Merriman said.

The three-time Pro Bowl linebacker voiced an ominous forecast for the Pats’ future. He projected that the franchise might endure this phase of underperformance for another three to five years.

“So who knows what’s it gonna take for them to get back in the mix, but if it takes a couple of years for a team with a three to five-year window to get back on track, how long do you think it’s going to take the Patriots to get back on track?”

Besides the struggle of the Patriots, Bill Belichick has been in hot water as well. The head coach has been bashed by the analysts, former players and fans more frequently. Shawn said if the losing streak goes on, the coach might not be around for the eventual resurgence.

“I’m guessing it’s going to be another three to five years before we see a really good Patriots team again, and Bill Belichick won’t be there for it.”

The former Chargers star further speculated on the impact of declining attendance on owner Robert Kraft’s decisions. He said if the Pats’ loyal fanbase, which has supported the team for over two decades, starts to dwindle due to the ongoing poor performance, Kraft might face a pivotal choice.

“If you’re not winning games, and the fans who have been there for 20-plus years, been attending those games, and you had a packed house for 20-plus years – if they stop coming, if they stop supporting you, Mr. Kraft is going to be in a situation where he has to make a decision. That only decision is to move on from Bill Belichick.”

The veteran is not wrong either as Kraft had been visibly upset about the struggle of his franchise. The owner didn’t even smash the rumor of sacking Belichick amidst the ongoing unrest.

Belichick sticking with Bailey Zappe despite poor performance

Bailey Zappe’s journey to becoming the starting quarterback for the New England Patriots has been a rollercoaster ride. Initially pegged as a backup to Mac Jones, Zappe faced the prospect of being cut from the team. Despite his release before roster cutdowns, his fate eventually saw him return via the practice squad and secure a spot in the starting lineup.

However, the transition to the QB1 role hasn’t been without its challenges as the Zappe-led offense struggled in their recent loss against the Los Angeles Chargers. In the loss that dropped the Patriots to a 2-10 record for the season, the team’s offense managed just 257 yards and 13 first downs.

Bill Belichick has been keeping suspense about the QB room of the Patriots for last several weeks. When questioned about his status as the team’s quarterback, Zappe tactfully deferred to the head coach, saying the veteran would make any official announcements.

“Coach has made it pretty clear, but I’ll let him announce it to everybody. That’s private right now, but whenever he announces it that’s with him,” the QB said, per Yahoo Sports.

Recent reports from NESN indicate that both the Patriots and Bill Belichick have chosen to stick with the second-year signal-caller for the upcoming match as well.

Despite being inserted into the lineup on multiple occasions earlier in the season, Zappe’s performance has been inconsistent. In the loss against the Chargers, he completed 13-of-25 passes for 141 yards, showing glimpses of promise with 16 rushing yards but also faced pressure, being sacked five times.

Despite the availability of other quarterbacks like Malik Cunningham and the active status of Mac Jones, neither of them saw action in the match.