Patriots: Bill Belichick had extra-long private postgame meeting with Tom Brady

Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers got the last laugh against Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots on Sunday night.

Despite Brady struggling for large chunks of the game and failing to throw a touchdown pass, a Nick Folk miss in the pouring rain near the end of the game sealed a Tampa Bay win.

Much was made of the first meeting between Brady and Belichick in New England since No. 12’s departure, and while Belichick appeared to stymie Brady and the offense for the most part, Mac Jones’ aerial assault came up short on the final drive.

In the end, Belichick and Brady shared a brief postgame hug, but that came in sharp contrast to the lengthy embrace shared between TB12 and Josh McDaniels.

Did you think that would be all for Tom and Bill, though? Belichick went into the Bucs locker room after the game in order to talk with Brady in private fashion.

Per Adam Schefter, Belichick stayed there for about 20 minutes, which made it evident the head coach didn’t want the camera to capture everything. We have to say … we’re not surprised.

Tom Brady and Bill Belichick spoke at length after the Patriots-Bucs game.

Per Peter King, backup quarterback Blaine Gabbert was sitting with the receivers when Belichick unexpectedly walked in. He claims he and Brady talked privately for around 15 minutes, confirming Schefter’s scoop, before exiting. Specifics of what was said were not shared by either party.

“It was a very personal, private thing,” Brady said. “We’ve always had that type of relationship where we can say things to each other. You know, whoever characterizes our relationship is completely wrong. People want to focus on so much stuff that’s so unimportant.”

If you were only reading the news clippings and leaks from the first of what will be many books written about this era, you would think Belichick and Brady were constantly at one another’s throats. However, both parties have said separately that some of the reported clashes between the two aren’t necessarily accurate.

Considering what each of these guys have meant to one another in their respective careers, it would be a shame if the relationship started to sour, especially over issues that may seem very trivial in the long run.

What’s more convincing to you? A two-decade run featuring arguably the best dynasty in sports or a bunch of rumors and reports hinting at friction and discord during all that success?

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