So far, the New England Patriots have had a rough go during the 2023 NFL season as they sit at 0-2.
The Patriots had a competitive Week 1 against the reigning NFC champion Philadelphia Eagles but then faltered against the Miami Dolphins in Week 2.
Despite a solid defense and marked improvement from Mac Jones and the offense, New England is still searching for its first win of the year.
Fortunately, they catch a bit of a break in Week 3 as they head on the road to play the New York Jets, who will continue to trot out Zach Wilson as their starting quarterback.
The Jets predictably struggled with Wilson under center as they went up against the Dallas Cowboys who arguably have the best defense in the league.
Bill Belichick should find it easier to plan for Wilson, but Nick Wright warned that this could spell the end of their season if they somehow find a way to lose, via “First Things First.”
“I can’t imagine the Patriots lose to the Jets. But if they do, this is Bill Belichick’s Waterloo. If they lose this their season is over,” Wright said.
"I can't imagine the Patriots lose to the Jets. But if they do, this is Bill Belichick's Waterloo. If they lose this their season is over."
— @getnickwright on what's on the line for the Patriots, and a Battle of Waterloo history lesson 🤣 pic.twitter.com/dWphjrjpDm
— First Things First (@FTFonFS1) September 22, 2023
Wright argues that a loss to a struggling team like the Jets could mean the end of Belichick’s time as the Patriots head coach and general manager, and while that might seem extreme, an 0-3 start does force team owners to evaluate things.
Belichick will always be regarded as arguably the best head coach in NFL history, but even Robert Kraft would have to consider a change if New England can’t win on the road this Sunday.
Unfair or not, this feels like a pivotal game for Belichick and the Patriots.
NEXT: Zach Wilson Shares His Thoughts On Current QB Situation
