NFL Week 6 Rankings: Patriots’ Belichick as GM; Lions in Top 5
Analyzing the NFL Week 6 Rankings: Patriots’ Belichick and Surging Lions
When you ask me if Bill Belichick should be shown the door as the New England Patriots’ head coach if they end up with a dismal 2-15 or 3-14 record, I can’t help but let out a hearty laugh. I mean, it’s the kind of laughter that’s right in your face, and here’s why.
The mere thought of firing Bill Belichick, the coaching legend, is utterly absurd. Some would argue that he’s the best there ever was, and if he isn’t at the very top, he’s certainly in the conversation. So, let’s put any notion of giving Belichick the boot as the head coach to rest – it’s just not happening.
However, let’s pivot and talk about Bill Belichick, the General Manager. Now, that’s a different story altogether. That’s where the real trouble lies, and yes, someone should be seriously considering handing him a pink slip.
If you suggest that, I won’t be laughing at all.
You see, it’s Bill Belichick, the GM, who’s causing some serious problems here. Take a long, hard look at the Patriots’ current roster.
As of NFL Week 6 Power Rankings, the Patriots are languishing at 1-4 and have suffered back-to-back humiliating defeats where they didn’t even put up a fight. First, there was the demoralizing loss to the Cowboys on the road, and then they followed it up with a crushing 34-0 shutout loss to the New Orleans Saints at home. Over the past two weeks, they’ve been outscored a jaw-dropping 72-3. Three losses at home, and the offense is barely scraping by, averaging a meager 11 points per game. To make matters worse, their prized first-round pick and Tom Brady’s supposed successor, Mac Jones, has been benched in each of the last two games.
The offensive line can’t seem to protect, and the skill players are far from striking fear into the hearts of their opponents. On the defensive side, while there is some talent, the two top players, rookie corner Christian Gonzalez and pass rusher Matt Judon, were notably absent during their recent struggles.
There was a time when Belichick, the master tactician, could scheme his way around limited talent and missing players. But those days seem to be long gone. The talent deficit runs deep, and it’s become painfully evident.
In this week’s NFL Week 6 Power Rankings, the Patriots have plummeted all the way down to the 29th spot, but you could easily make a case for them being the league’s worst team. While I personally think Carolina, who’s yet to secure a victory, deserves the dubious honor of holding the bottom spot, the Patriots are certainly in the mix with teams like Denver and the Giants.
Let’s be crystal clear: New England is in a dire state. But here’s the kicker – it’s not because of the coach. Bill Belichick still has what it takes to get the job done.
As for the General Manager, well, it’s time for a change. Whether Belichick would admit it or not, it’s abundantly clear. Tom Brady isn’t riding in on a white horse to save the day this time. Then again, they did wait until the sixth round to pick him. Maybe the GM stumbled upon good fortune once, and that’s what made it all possible. If that’s the case, that luck has now run its course, and it’s the coach who’s paying the price. However, let’s be clear – suggesting that it could cost the coach his job is nothing short of absurd.
On a side note, while the Patriots find themselves in turmoil, keep an eye on the surging Lions, who are making waves and causing some real surprises in the top 5 of this week’s NFL Week 6 Power Rankings.
By: M Z Hossain, Editor Sky Buzz Feed
