Belichick on silver lining to abrupt end to season

Get back to work

I hope Bilichik has a relaxing and productive off-season. Lord knows he deserves it! Come fall, BB and the Pats will be ready to re-take the AFC East!

Belichick is the greatest coach in all of sports. I hope we have him for many years to come.

In Bill we Trust! Enjoy the rest, Mike Reiss will keep us up to date.

BB IS THE BEST COACH AND i AGREE THAT A REST IS NEEDED...LOVED THE SEASON AND LOOK FORWARD TO 09.....NO REGRET'S....

When you add up 5 years of playoff games (3 ending with an SB) you're basically adding another season of play for a lot of these guys. The added time off should help them get healthy. They're basically getting an entire 2 month jumpstart on next season while all other teams fight it out for the SB. I think this will help for next season.

Go (Philly) Eagles!!!!

This is easy. TGIB. "Thank God it's Bill". We are very fortunate to have this guy on our side.

The other good news is the slime ball in NY has been relieved of duty. That is "fired". Are they lining up to hire him? Lets wait and see.

Hes right. Since 2001 they have played 17 more games (an entire season) then scheduled for. A lot more than other teams.

May our Faustian bargain continue for many years.

Considering that the Patriots are only the second team in NFL history since the merger not to make the play-offs at 11-5 and considering the number of impact players that were out for the season due to injury; I am amazed at just how well this team did this years! I am very proud to be a Patriots fan and there is no doubt that Belichick and his staff will be back in the play-offs next year. So, as disapointed as I am that I will not be seeing the Patriots in the Super Bowl this year, I agree with Bill that this will be a very deserving rest for his players and staff. Take full advantage guys you deserve it!

If ANY other team had lost their QB (and the best player in football) in the first quarter of the season opener, their starting safety, starting running back, outside linebacker and had around 70 other games lost by starters due to injury they would have been lucky to have won 8 games. This team played hard and missed the playoffs with ELEVEN wins. I'm proud of them. A lot of their efforts this year will be evident when they come back to dominate the NFL again in '09.

Thanks, Coach, for a great season.

Rest??
Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor?

I'd like to take a rest also Bill. But unfortunately I have to work 50-60hours a week 6-7 days a year to survive. And I get 2 WEEKS VACATION A YEAR. And thats for 35-40 years of my life. Another thing Bill. This may come as a surprise to you. In the real world I live in I don't make anywhere near your salary. Try working for a living Bill and you will understand when someone really deserves a vacation.

Gary:

Chill out.

This is a good year for BB and Pioli (if he remains a pat) to attack free agency and the draft. We have many good low picks. Have you seen the list of UFA's available? Here's a few: Steven Jackson from the rams, Julius Peppers, Tommie Harris... Lot's of talent and we need to get younger on D and healthier. So heats up the NFL's hot stove...

With all the injuries they had any other coach not named Bill Belichick would have got at best 8 wins this season. The fact they finished with 11 wins and were two plays away (one in the Indy game and one in the OT game against the Jets) from being 13-3 give me great hope for 2009. Next season you can take it to teh bank, they will put up at leasy 14 wins.

Gary,
With all due respect the way BB works and the way we work is a lot different. Before my wife and had our son I used to work 12-14 hr days and believe me they take a toll on you quickly and this man has been coaching for well over 30 yrs. Coaches production is measured very easily and it's out there for all to see, so there is a different level of preparation and stress. He can never hide, he can never have a bad day because it will be plenty apparent come Sunday. I'm not saying what we do is not difficult but we need to respect what others are doing as well. Doing your work and being committed is not about the money, I'm sure BB would coach for a lot less but since the market he works in will pay more he'd be a fool not to take it.

I have the same sort of deal, Gary. Comes with being just another guy in some office somewhere, as opposed to being one of the best ever at my chosen profession.

It'll give Matt Light some time to brush up on his girly-man fight tactics. "Denim skirt, check. Hair-pull technique, check . . . . " Go Dolphins!

WAAAAAAA WAAAAAAAA!!! My team didnt make it to the Playoffs.. WAAAAA WAAAAA.. Cry me a river Boston, unfortunately I live here and I have to deal with your crying everytime your team doesnt win. OH WE NEED REST.. GIVE ME A BREAK!!! You play once a week. You didnt make it to the playoffs. Get over it. There are a lot teams that didnt make it. Thats just how it works.

Gary:

1. I certainly agree that football players don't play for a full 12 months, but do you think that Belichick and other management personnel don't game plan (literally and metaphorically) through out the year??

2. Belichick was trying to put a positive spin on a disappointing outcome for everyone involved with the organization, but most importantly the fans. He was telling us the upside of them not being in the playoffs.

As they say "no rest for the wicked" isn't true after all. Enjoy your break, I know I am.

I was relishing the prospects of the Pats getting into the playoffs in an underdog, little or no pressure role. Despite all the injuries, they were peaking at the right time and might have made a real run. If they'd won the division, they'd have taken care of those loud mouthed whiners from Baltimore next week and been a dangerous threat to anyone they met down the road. That would have been fun to watch. But, I agree with the coach, the early exit may be benefiicial.

The Germans never bombed Pearl Harbor. It was Japan.

Hey Gary, apples and oranges. I know what you're saying, but you really can't make that comparison. I wish folks would pay me millions to teach high school, but that ain't gonna happen. I don't know what you do for your hard earned living, and I admire your work ethic. But the fact is these guys pay a price, just ask Earl Campbell, who can hardly walk nowadays. Their bodies take a terrible beating. Granted, the rewards are great, but there is a cost. And what Bill was doing, in my opinion, was put a positive spin on a disappointing situation. Happy New Year!
I'm holding down the Patriots/RedSox/Celtics/Bruins Fort down in San Antonio!
Way to go Cowboys!!!!

In Bill We Trust....

BTW.... LOL @ Mangini

Gary get a life. He puts in way more hours and labor for 9-10 months of the year. Pro Sports teams don't just run themselves. Your a bitter tool bag!

Slacker.

I suspect all NFL head coaches work 50-60 hours (probably quite a bit more) for most months of the year. Yes, they are paid well. So are many other people in this world. Good work when you can get it. The players do need some rest from the toll football takes. When the "Germans" bombed? Is that sarcasm I don't follow, or just unbridled ignorance?

Gary,
You work "6-7 days a year to survive"?? Wow. That is A LOT! Bill makes a lot of money because he is paid based upon his value to the success of his organization. You are paid a little amount of money based on the same theory...

I'm glad the guy is taking this attitude. Next year will be very interesting. I wonder if they can sign Cassell and trade him for an top flight corner and inside linebacker.

Hey Gary – Time to get back to work…the fries are done cooking.

Gary, you should first look into the hours put in by NFL coaches before you compare your situation with them. I had a neighbor who was an assistant for a small college football program, and he often worked 100 hours a week during the season. To compare your job to an NFL coaching staff is laughable and ignorant. I hardly think you would be able to handle the pressure and stress.

Nowhere and I mean NOWHERE is Bill making any excuses for the season......this personifies the Great Coach that he is, like him or hate him!

Gary:

Maybe if you were smarter you could get a better job? Because that's usually how it works.

Hey Gary, while I strum my violin for you during your ridiculous rant, I must add that while most people feel your pain (me included) I'm not going to attack Bill for making a comment about rest when relating it to FOOTBALL! We can sit here and discuss salaries and all of that but I'm sure there are many cons associated with working as much as a head coach does, let alone the players. So I'm alright with his comments, but yours my friend, I can do without. Post your address so I can send you the tape of me playing the violin for you-maybe you can post it on ebay and I can buy it back so you may take a "well deserved vacation."

Guys, the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor quote is from "Animal House"..I suspect it was in jest..

Jeez Gary calm down a little. Is there a reason you randomly went off on this forum?

Maybe in the real world YOUR skills are not as valued as Belichick's are. Maybe you aren't as successful as the best coach in football. Maybe you aren't under the one millionth of the scrutiny as Belichick. Maybe no one cares what you say.

The last one is true...good comment Gary. Keep up the good work and get back to work!!

I need a rest, too. All this blogging is killing me.

A little extra time for BB & staff to re-energize, analyze and team build? Yet another reason for 2009 season optimism.

I join all the others in offering a GI-NORMOUS "THANKS" to Mike R. and the Globe online team for their superlative efforts this season. They really have raised the sports coverage bar and certainly have earned a little rest to better plan for next season, too.

The true silver lining is this situation gives the organization extended time to get ready for the '09 Draft. The extra time off should do wonders in giving the staff time to scout and find the similar gems then in the '03 draft. If Brady comes back 100%, this could be the beginning of a new phase of the Belichick Dynasty,,,,
Oh, and it would be nice to see Romeo Crennel come back into the fold and help the D.

Hey Rico,

That "Germans Bombed Pearl Harbor" referrence was an homage to Animal House.

Gary, work smarter, not harder.

BB - Get some rest before the inevitable quarterback controversey really heats up.

Did you see the way the Pats ended the season? Despite going 11-5, there were no whiners, no excuses about the staggering injuries the Pats overcame this year, no finger pointing, blaming receivers or coaches or field conditions. They just talked about how they didn't get the job done, how the tough the AFC East was this year and they congratulated the Dolphins.
Now, check out the Dallas papers or the NY papers this morning and look at how the Jets and "America's Team" handle adversity and loss. I'm as proud of the Patriots now as I was at this time last year. They are true professionals.
Pats haters spare me your snarky responses. You will never understand what it's like to have a group like this led by a coach like BB.

Hey Rico,
I think John Belushi (Wild Bill Kelso) would argue with you on that one!

for #29:

When the "Germans" bombed? Is that sarcasm I don't follow, or just unbridled ignorance?

It's a line from Animal House: Bluto (John Belushi) was imploring his fellow fraternity brothers not to give up. But alas he was an idiot and thought the Germans were responsible for Pearl Harbor. I will leave you with a little advise: "Lighten up, Francis"

love the last comment on Gary...
Anyway all I can say is the Patriots had a great year! And great run since 2001!!!
Get rest see you next year

and thank you

hey rico tubbs(long live miami vice), "the germans bombing pearl harbor" is a line from animal house, it was meant as a joke

The last time the Pat's did not make the playoff's they cam back and won the next two SB's.
In addition if you ever paid attention to the reporters many coach's work more that 14hr a day in season 7 days a week. Often sleeping at the office. I believe it is also documented in the book "Patriot Reign".

Hey Gary, don't worry, you'll get laid off in a few weeks...

Just a thought and I am sure I will be crucified for mentioning it. Tom Brady's place in patriots history is etched in stone, as well his place one day in Canton. If the Patriots were to trade Brady now his value would be immeasurable to the team. If the Patriots have shown the NFL anything, it is that the "Team" is greater than any one individual. Brady's value is beyond question, but the cost to the Patriots could prove to be insurmountable. From Brady's perspective if he were to move to another team and once again bring the success that the patriots have earned over the last several years, then Tom would go from one of the greatest to ever play, to the greatest.. let me get a hat before you start throwing rocks....

Adam - you might want to look into anger management. :-) Go Celtics!!!

Hey Bill,
I think Mangini is looking for a job. What about it? How about giving him another chance...

Honestly, this is the second time in a couple of months that I can remember that some arrogant loser comes on and insults the person who recites the line 'Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor?" Hey rb5563 - Yah, that is unbridled ignorance! Coming from you! You've obviously never seen "Animal House' or been to a celtics game. Can people stop coming on this board trying to give us a lesson in history. We know the Germans didn't bomb pearl harbor.

Good season for the pats! Can't wait till the offseason hot stove!

This year was a washout weather they made it to the playoffs or not. Not our year. Winning only means a worse spot in thedraft where we need to find some talent like Mayoh and the corner back.

The germans bombing Pearl Harbor? Shows the level of intelligence in pats fans.

HAHAHAHAHA You fools did NOT make the playoffs.. HAHAHAHA 11-5 please you was lucky.

GO JETS BABY! SUPER BOWL NEXT YEAR

hey 11-5HAHA,

it was a joke from animal house you moron...shows your level of stupidity and immaturity. 11-5 is a good record.

The Patriots will never trade Brady period. He executes the offense better than any QB on their roster including Cassel. Unless Tom is seriously behind in his rehab or they think that he has complications that will keep him out for 2009, I expect him to be the starter on Opening Day next year. Take it to the bank. BB is zealous in his approach to details and if he thinks Tom isn't ready, they'll franchise Cassel.

Both Carson Palmer and Donovan McNabb have had similar injuries and both came back. McNabb didn't look too shabby ripping into the Cowboys yesterday. I expect Brady will fully recover. He is a workout demon. And he just got engaged so I expect that Giselle will want her new hubby to continue to collect a sizeable check every two weeks.

thanks for a great season to BB and all the Pats. Cassel was amazing this year and congrats to Welker and and Ghost for making Pro Bowl. I wish I could watch this team play some more games, but I'm sure they can use the break..
I watched a lot of games this year, esp NFC East, and appreciated all the more just how good the coach and entire organization are in NE. a lot of teams in this league fold under adversity, point fingers at each other, can't adjust when star players are knocked out, beat themselves with lots of stupid mistakes and penalties. that doesn't happen in New England. Pats are going to be Super Bowl contenders for many years to come.

BB
You are the best that Boston has had good luck what a great year you and the team had.
Bill

Fellow Patriot Fans-
Take the lumps like gentlemen. Those who are consistently less fortunate have to hang their hat on something once in a while. We all know we got the best of both worlds this year: an 11-5 season and just missing the playoffs. I'm one of those people that was happy we will have a decent draft pick to address this horribly pourus defense.

To the fans of other teams-
Be grateful your team made it one year. Get back to us when you can gloat about your team making 5 AFC title games, 4 Super Bowls, and 3 SB Championships in 7 years.. The Patriots aren't invinsible but they sure are a championship quality team every year! TY Bill for an outstanding season. Matt Cassel, you made me a believer!

Thinking of Matt Cassel; He seems loyal to Pats for drafting him when no one else would and for sticking with him when everyone wanted him dumoed.
How about placing transition tag on him and simply ask that he not allow a poison pill in the ointment. In exchange Pats would agree if they match an offer from another team they'll either start him, trade him (or Brady if you can believe it) or pay him an extra million if he for some reason is a backup (won't happen). This way he gets his top $, his chance to start and gives Pats a chance to sort things out. If Pats should receive an incredible offer for Brady perhaps they'd even take that and begin a new dynasty.

For #44

That idiot in Animal House (John Belushi aka Blutarsky) ended up as a senator at the end of the movie. Not bad for an idiot. The movie probably imitates real life (as in idiots for senators).

Gary, lighten up, these guys on the iron grid get paid big bucks, but they pay for it, at least later on in life. I would bet that you wouldn't like to get hit by one of them in the field.

jetfan: Forget about the Germans, Pearl Harbor, Bluto, John Belushi and Animal House. Jets in the Super Bowl next year? That's the same thing you guys said in August when you signed Favre and dumped Pennington! Jets in the Super Bowl! Now that is the real laugh of the day.

Can we at least take solice in the upcoming draft, or do teams like Arizona and San Diego pick before us based on their record?

I thought it was a very good year. Coaches work unbelievable hours and have to face intense scrutiny for everything they do, how many people questioned BB on keeping Cassell?, and have to stand in the middle of 50 sweaty men without gaging.

No worries on losing Cassell, there is a reason they drafted O'Connell, he should be up to speed by the start of the season and he has far more potential than any Pats QB in some time. Rocket, laser arm, size and really fast for any player let alone a QB. If he takes the coaching we will be the team to beat for some time.

WHATS BETTER - 18-1
OR NO PLAYOFFS AT ALL?
HAPPY NEW YEAR
A VERY HAPPY GIANT'S FAN

Total slacker.

;-)

Enjoy the rest guys! You ALL deserve it! I'm PROUD to be a Patriots fan and can't wait to see what happens this off season! And even though you didn't make the playoffs this year...it was a success in my book! It just shows what a great coach Belichick is and that he can bring the BEST out of anyone!! Let the Dolphins have their due this year...we'll be back on top in '09!! Oh yeah...hey Mangini...I think they are looking for some cameramen over at NFL Films!!

I for one am taking my lumps like a gentleman. I haven't whined in years, ( since my wedding night! ). This was a tremendous season and I eagerly anticipate next years campaign for the super bowl. And to all the morons who don't appreciate a great Animal House reference I'll leave you with the following, "grab a brew....it don't cost 'nuthin".

OK, you all have probably seen all the analisys up there in New England on why the "fish" (disrespect) ended up as AFC East champs. Also how the Ravens got the wild card? Can anyone explain the play berth outcome to me as in what pushed the Pats to the bottom of the 11-5 stack in the AFC?

Well we can't win them all. At least the Pats finished with a respectable 11-5 record. No shame in that at all. I don't see any other coach in the league acomplishing that feat, especially with all the injuries this team suffered this year. I know for sure that Belichick will re-stock and re-tool as well as trim some of the dead weight that is on this team. Brady will be back to form despite all the haterade news reports from ESPN and Spotrs Illustrated. Embrace the hate fellow Pats fans. Go 09 Pats

#71 - the wild card is decided by overall record, then conference record, then division record, I guess. I hope it is top-to-bottom like that, because otherwise the Pats scored more and gave up less than did Miami, while splitting the season head-to-head. But this isn't the NHL, and it isn't college football, so style points don't matter. Point is, the Pats a. did awesome with only half their starters, and b. did not win enough conference games or division games, as compared with the fish. For the first time ever, I'm rooting for Miami in the playoffs. Them and Matt Ryan's team of hopefuls.

Good for you, Chad Pennington. Brett Favre, like a bad cousin you remain in the worst of my playoff memories, either direct or once-removed.

Enought with the stupid Peal Harbor explanations. If someone didnt get the Animal House reference, then they are just clueless.
Gary, if you know how to do what only about 50 people in the world know, like how to coach an NFL team, then you also would be paid accordingly. As to the players, I sincerely doubt that your job is as demanding physically as theirs.
The PATS went 11-5 losing Brady, Harrison, Thomas, along with 8 other players of varying importance. This is incredible. BB is once again shown to be the best coach currently, and one of the greatest ever. Brady will be back, and we will return to the SB - count on it.

"HAHAHAHAHA You fools did NOT make the playoffs.. HAHAHAHA 11-5 please you was lucky.

GO JETS BABY! SUPER BOWL NEXT YEAR"

Please...One doesn't even need to read the user name to know this post is from another illiterate New Yorker. "...please you was lucky..." How about trying some punctuation and grammar: "Please, you were lucky..."

You must have sent this from the computer in the local library...right? I'll bet you've got the New York Daily News tucked under your arm...right? Went to P.S. 133 in the Bronx...right? Let me guess.....8th...no 7th grade, right? Come on...tell me if I'm warm or cold here...

"...Go Jets baby! Super Bowl next year..." Dream on losers. The Jets are the perrenial doormat of the AFC. I'm sorry...let me explain that: The Jets are always losers.

When your team is managed and owned by idiots such as Mangini and company, who threw away a good QB like Chad Pennington (your own fan base screamed for someone's head when he was released) for a has-been bum like Favre, what do you expect next? You are the true fools to think that Bill Cowher would consider coming to the Jets? Think again. He is one of the finest coaches the NFL has ever produced, and would likely never tarnish his record by taking on the job of coaching the Jets. He is no fool.

Hey...wait...when does Michael Vick come up for parole? Yeah...yeah...come on baby...let's get him...yeah...yeah...that's right...Super Bowl next year...yeah...yeah...yeah. Come on...they were only dogs....yeah baby...yeah baby....

Maybe you can get your last governor to vouch for Vick at his parole hearing....oh wait...he's a criminal as well. You're lucky you have the Yankees...and they suck too.

Ignoramus.

Posted by jetfan

Just wanted to say thanks to the Patriots for the most exciting season of football since 2001...I can't wait for next year!

Gary,

If you had 1/1000 of the talent Bellichick does, maybe you could earn a decent living. you're an ass

LMAO @ post 24 - did you figure that out all by yourself Rico?

Let's take it easy on Gary. It's a tough economy out there and it is easy to be frustrated. Long ago I realized that there are a select few movie stars, sports players and musicians who make insane sums of money without doing a "real day's work." They are so few that there's really no point in getting upset over it. I think a good way to really measure BB's worth is this: If someone who could do my work went to my boss and said he'd be willing to do my job at half my wages, I'd be in trouble. Imagine if an ex-NFL coach went up to Mr. Kraft and made the same offer. He'd have security remove him.

With regard to this season, it has 2002 written all over it. That year we had a rousing win over Miami only to have Brett Favre mess it all up for us. I think the Pats will come out on fire next year.

Dear DEE
Why the bitterness? You won the Superbowl. Why you still mad? Almost making the post season with your starting QB, LB, SS, RB on IR and half the rest of the team hurt all season is pretty good, thanks. I'm frickin amazed. And to top it off, 3rd and 8, wind blowing, we need to make sure we have the last possesion, and the coach has the QB PUNT THE BALL. Man is a genius. If you cant appreciate that, your opinion is of no value among thinking persons. Good luck this year, if you repeat it will be a nice story. Don't be such an ass.

To Bill and the rest of the Patriots organization:
Congratulations on a fantastic job you all did despite the adversities. You have earned whatever rest you need. Come back recharged.

Gary, if you that bitter, why didn't you change careers 30 years ago?

"Rest?

Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor?"

- Oh my god I haven't laughed so hard in a long time - Its been years since I heard that line. Great timing!!!! Thank you for that - thats old school, well delivered.

The Italians bombed pearl harbor ! Geez! BB is the bomb and mangini is "girl-gini" now. Adiós.

Comment on Gary's posting (#12, Posted by Michael December 29, 08 01:33 PM)

The Germans?...You're an IDIOT.

Striking statistics comparison about Dolphins versus Pats over 2008 season:
Offensive overall rank....Patriots: 5th / Dolphins: 12th
Defensive overall rank....Patriots: 10th / Dolphins: 15th
This is another proof what BB has accomplished this season and playoffs finale selection tiebreak to determine the top 12th teams are somehow unfair.
This really kill me to have to watch Big Bill's team instead of Little Bill's team next week...

"wait til otis sees us, he loves us"
thought BB might sign otis smith and mo hurst had the season gone longer
fun year, cant wait til 09

Find a new way to cheat. The lack of cheating this year cost the Pats the playoffs.

I am shocked how many people don't get the Animal House reference.

This was a great year for the Pats it is too bad they did not make the playoffs they definitely deserved it. Most teams would have won 5 games with injuries like this. Further proof BB is the greatest coach and The Patriot Way is a real thing! Hopefully things will go better in 2009. GO PATS!

Soprano, or Sparano, or whatever the hell his name is in Miami, he will probably win the coach of the year, but if anyone truly deserves it, it is Bill Belichick. He did, IMO, what no other coach could have done under the circumstances this team was put into from day one of the season. This past season may have been the greatest of his career. GOD bless coach Belichick.

Great season Coach Belichick and the Pats organization! Us true Pats fans that have been with the team as my family has for over 25 years recognize and appreciate that BB has brought this franchise to a level of respectability that rivals any professional sports franchise. We should be grateful to have such a competitive and hardworking team that plays for our region of the country.

The Germans didn't bomb Pearl Harbor? Those As*^%les must have stolen the wrong fu@#$%g exam!

"I can't believe they took the whole &(#@ing bar!!!!"
"I'm a zit! Get it?"
"A Pppppledge Pppin?!?!!? Oooooooon your uniform?!?!?!"
"Well, I for one, am not going to stand her and listen to you badmouth America!"
"Fat, drunk, and stupid is no way to go through life, son"
"Face it, Kent. You didn't throw up in Dean Wormers office. You threw up ON Dean Wormer!!!"
Just the best movie ever. O.K., maybe Monty Python and the Holy Grail is close.