With the New England Patriots at 2-5 and in a position they have not been in since the new millennium, Coach Bill Belichick has been forced to assess the current situation.
And it is not good.
From @ESPNStatsInfo: Patriots have lost four straight for the first time since 2002. Since the start of '03 season, there had been 284 losing streaks of at least 4 games (including streaks spanning seasons) entering today, and New England was the only team without a single one.
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) November 1, 2020
Salary Cap Situation
Speaking to WEEI, New England’s Sports Station, Belichick said the Patriots “sold out”.
He explained that between 2014 and 2019, they went for broke meaning they sacrificed finances for championships.
And now according to Belichick they don’t have money/cap space.
“I mean, look, we paid Cam Newton $1 million. It’s obvious that we didn’t have any money. It’s nobody’s fault. That’s what we did the last five years. We sold out. We won three Super Bowls, played in a fourth and played in an AFC Championship Game.”
Well if Belichick’s accounting is correct, the Patriots’ plan certainly worked.
They had the rosters needed to win those Super Bowls.
Is The Patriots’ Cap Situation That Dire?
Some were surprised by Belichick’s comments because the cap numbers the public sees don’t mirror the scenario he is painting.
Over the Cap reports that New England has $22 million in cap space.
That puts them in the Top 10 among NFL teams of cap money to spend.
Presumably, Belichick would have better data.
Roster Is Less Talented
Of course, everyone points to QB Tom Brady‘s departure as the main problem.
But there are other issues.
WR Julian Edelman, RB Sony Michel, and CB Stephon Gilmore are injured.
With Julian Edelman out this week, Sunday will be the first time the Patriots play a game without Tom Brady or Edelman since December 28, 2008, Matt Cassel's final start with New England. pic.twitter.com/QPW1mxoTYh
— NFLonCBS (@NFLonCBS) October 30, 2020
The Patriots lost significant players who opted out of 2020 due to COVID-19.
Those players include S Patrick Chung, OT Marcus Cannon, and LB Dont’a Hightower.
Patriots’ draft picks, in recent years, have not developed either.
That is not a new issue because their winning record does not give them marquee draft picks to choose from.
However, the veteran and free agent talent was always there to more than compensate for underperforming draft picks.
End Of The Dynasty
Cam shared what he's learned in New England:
"Losing is not acceptable in this locker room, in this county, in this state … so Cameron Newton, you need to pick your expletive up."
(via @Patriots) pic.twitter.com/Md48vmkgOu
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) October 29, 2020
Belichick’s sobering words to the fans are ominous.
Despite what Cam says, the end of the dynasty is upon us.
New England’s run was incredibly long and successful.
But it is not wise to bet against the GOAT to build another one.
However, it won’t be starting in 2020.
Remaining 2020 Schedule
Presumably, the Patriots will get it together and defeat the winless New York Jets next Monday night (November 9).
But after that, their schedule is no cake walk.
They have the Ravens, Cardinals, Rams, and another game with the Bills coming up in the second half of the season.
NEXT: Can Bill Belichick Win Without Brady? (Full Breakdown)