Bill Belichick has lost a step with his in-game decision-making

For the majority of Bill Belichick’s tenure with the New England Patriots, the Patriots have been one of the best in-game adjustments and decision-making teams in the NFL. However, in recent seasons, Belichick’s age has started to show as the Patriots have failed to make good decisions.

Most recently, during the game against the Eagles, Bill Belichick made a few head-scratching decisions involving fourth downs, and he cost the Patriots points in the game. Had Belichick taken a field goal, the Patriots would likely have won. 

Belichick also showed his ego in the post-game press conference. He first made a mistake by forgetting how much time was on the clock when the Patriots went for it on 4th and 3. He said there were six minutes to go in the game when there were over nine minutes remaining.

Belichick forgetting the situation of the play is a bit concerning because he has always been known for his photographic memory and attention to detail.

The other eye-opening part of the press conference was when he said that the reporter would have criticized him, no matter if he had the Patriots go for it or kicked the field goal.

This is also concerning because why is Belichick concerned with what the media thinks? Belichick should be focused on other things besides how the media will portray a decision he makes.

I think Belichick is losing a step when it comes to in-game decision-making. Although Belichick can still put together elite game plans, as seen against the Philadelphia Eagles, his decision-making is sometimes questionable. If the Patriots are going to get back to the postseason this year, Belichick is going to have to be better.

Ultimately, it will be interesting to see how Belichick handles the next big decision that comes his way.