It happened to Caesar.
It happened to Phillip II of Macedon.
It happened to Vito Corleone.
It happened to Michael Scott when Dwight Shrute tried to take control of Dunder-Mifflin Scranton.
And now it’s happening to the Philosopher King who built the Patriots Dynasty.
But having four years pass without a postseason win is an unpardonable sin for a conqueror.
And so hands are reaching under tunics for dagger handles.
moment:
And then, the boss spoke at the meetings.
Mr. Kraft, the Palpatine to Belichick’s Vader, expressed his displeasure about the last four years.
In the end, this is a business, Kraft said.
You either execute and win, or you dont.
Thats where were at.
Its not just those of us on the outside who believe Belichick is on the hot seat.
They are worried their mentor might not get to go out on his own terms.
Realistically, it appears Belichick will get two years to get the 19 wins to surpass Shula.
But only if 2023 goes well at least nine wins.
A playoff appearance may be necessary, too.
Two out of the last three seasons, Kraft repeated, trailing off.
I think weve made some moves this year that personally Im comfortable with, Kraft said.
And I still believe in Bill.
But warning shots have been sent.
Another disappointing season wont suffice.
The Belichick Epoch has never been powered by kind words, happy thoughts, and rainbow unicorn farts.
It’s fueled by accountability.
Of admitting errors (OC Matt Patricia) and correcting them so they’re not repeated.
So we embrace this around here.
And again with Deflategate.
And that was 10 years removed from the team’s last championship, not four.
The Krafts demand postseason success.
You know who else does?
And you know who else?
It’s not possible to be tougher on him than he is.
He’s not thinking about catching Don Shula or counting his rings.
I take a back seat to no one when it comes to Tedy Bruschi fandom.
But that “25 years” comment wasn’t about living in the past.
It was a direct answer to the question of why we should be confident of his team going forward.
And it’s the correct one.
Bottom-lining this situation: Bring it on.
Bring it all on.
Turn the seat warmer all the way up.
Heat is how steel is forged into the finest weapons.
No better words have ever been spoken by mortal man:
