The New England Patriots have had an interesting week since their win in Pittsburgh.
Why do players say that they like play for Bill Belichick? Why do athletes even try during a losing season?
For anyone wondering and asking these types of questions, the players seem to be speaking out a little more than usual in New England and are giving some insight. Not only does it seem now that the reports of a mutual parting were speculative, but even if they end up being true, these players are far from giving up on this season or Coach Belichick.
New England Patriots RB On Finishing The Season
It can seem like a conflict of interest. Routing for wins at this point lessen the chances of a higher draft pick. Routing for a team to lose, just doesn’t seem in the spirit of supporting your favorite franchise.
These are the interior swings that New England Patriots fans are going through during what could potentially end as a 3 win season. However, this is what Ezekiel Elliott said when asked about the upcoming matchup against the Chiefs, and a possible upset:
Every win is a big win. I wouldn’t put any more emphasis on this week than last week…We attack every week the same, and that’s to get a win. It’s pro football, every team is good. This week we’ve got the Chiefs, the defending champs, so I mean yeah, we’ll feel good to get a win.
True to the Belichick mantra, that reporters were privileged to hear it again this week, “Getting ready for Kansas City.” This team is focused on performing at their best, and preparing week to week. They feel that their record is not telling of who they are as a ball club.
New England Patriots “Professional Game”
In a difficult season it can become hard to remain positive, and focused, to get better every day. When Coach Belichick called Elliott’s outing against the Steelers a “professional game“, he meant it in a team sense. Elliott stepped up when an injury happened, did what was needed, and took a lot of hits for the team.
When asked about mentoring, and showing younger athletes the ropes, he mentioned how important it is for him to give pointers, and to give suggestions for how they can potentially change their approach to get better in specific areas of their game. This is a responsibility that he has always taken pleasure in accepting for himself since his Ohio State days.
New England Patriots Future With Coach Belichick
Toward the end of the press conference he spoke specifically of the style of relationship that Belichick has with his players. He noted that if an athlete is strong mentality and has competitive fortitude, then they would likely want to be coached hard. For him, it is the consistency Coach Belichick brings everyday in his approach that he is looking for as a player.
When speaking of his health, he talked about his past of playing through injuries, but conveyed that he felt fresh at this particular point of the season.
A reporter followed up by asking point blank, if his recent performance and opportunity gave him “greater hope of returning (to the New England Patriots) next season”.
Elliott replied after making it known that he 100% was not planning on retiring:
I got a lot of gas in the tank. Definitely it felt good to have the performance I did last week.
After a follow up question, if Elliott has enjoyed playing as a Patriot and returning, he replied:
I love playing with Rhamondre (Stevenson), I love this team, I love this city. So I think I would be open to it.
It seems like the fit is a good one, both sides are serious and focused on winning football, and know what it takes to get there. It would be a nice story, if after a couple of struggling years, the combined efforts of both parties are what would then lead the New England Patriots to a winning playoff season again.
The offseason questions to be answered will likely all come down to negotiations over salary, and fitting him in under the cap salary.