I’m focused on the Colts

Sunday proved to be another disappointing day for the Patriots, raising some concerns about head coach Bill Belichick that were previously uncommon during his tenure in New England.

During an interview on WEEI the following Monday, Belichick was asked if the team’s 2-7 start to the season made it one of the most challenging years in his coaching career. Belichick responded by stating that it was “probably up there.” He was also questioned about a viral video circulating from Sunday’s game.

The video captured during the Fox broadcast of the Patriots’ 20-17 loss to the Commanders showed team owner Robert Kraft and his son, Patriots president Jonathan Kraft, engaged in a conversation. It appears that the younger Kraft commented, “we’re not good enough.” When asked about the exchange, Belichick replied, “you’d have to ask them about what they said” during his radio appearance.

Later on Monday, during a press conference, Belichick was asked if he has received any assurances regarding his job security from the ownership. He reiterated his focus on preparing for the upcoming game against the Colts and gave a similar response when questioned about coaching for his job.

“I will focus on what I can control and prepare for the Colts,” Belichick affirmed.

The Patriots had not experienced a season with seven losses from 2003 to 2019. However, this marks the fourth consecutive year with at least that many losses, and it appears unlikely that Belichick will avoid his first double-digit loss season since his initial year with the team. The implications of this sustained decline for his future with the franchise will likely be a prominent storyline in the second half of the season.