With the Week 10 game against the Colts on the horizon, the Patriots still cannot escape making headlines even overseas. Whether it's more rumors circulating online or more drama being discussed about the current state of the team, New England has become a hot spot for consistent new reports each and every day.
In order to keep you from getting overwhelmed, here are the latest trending stories involving the Patriots this week.
Wife of former Buffalo Bills' coach rips Bill Belichick to shreds in new interview
Besides all the absolute domination the Patriots did over two decades that created many enemies for Bill Belichick, he also apparently rubbed some the wrong way with what appeared to be seemingly innocent comments made back in 2009.
It's not uncommon for those who aren't exactly the biggest fans of the legendary head coach to hold grudges for several years (remember Jerome Bettis and Ben Roethlisberger inaccurately describing how the Patriots cheated them out of a Super Bowl just a few months ago?), this latest development takes it to an all-new level.
It was all revealed in a new interview with former Bills head coach Marv Levy and his wife Fran, published by the Boston Globe. It's where Mrs. Levy decided to air out all her pent-up feelings about Belichick, the former defensive coordinator for the Giants team that beat Levy's Bills in the Super Bowl.
Other than still feeling angry about that, Fran also expressed her continued disdain for comments Belichick made about her husband 14 years ago.
What were those comments? Belichick said, "I won’t be like Marv Levy and coach in my 70s." Despite sounding like relatively unproblematic words that he obviously didn't live by, Fran remains defensive of her husband and expressed her unfavorable opinion of Belichick on Friday.
"I think he should retire. I can’t stand him. He’s a cheater and he was rude to Marv. Bill Belichick was always jealous of Marv. He’s a mean person and I hope he never wins again.
… I’ll fight for my husband. I hope I wasn’t too crazy, but that’s how I feel. I wear my heart on my sleeve."
Pretty harsh words from someone who never worked directly with Belichick, don't you think?
But it's not the least surprising since he has built himself a reputation in the league, whether warranted or not, and many have strong opinions about how he has conducted himself throughout his career. Fran is just the latest one to share it publicly.
What made the article all the more interesting was Marv made sure to let it be known he doesn't share the same opinion of Belichick as his wife.
"Don’t quote me on that. I’m not saying that. I’m going to have Fran run some extra wind sprints for saying that!"
Whether it's just an effort to save face or he genuinely disagrees, Marv wanted it on record that their views do not align.
LeGarrette Blount shares his take on Bill Belichick's possible impending firing
Among the typical rumors that run rampant during a losing season for any team in the NFL, speculation regarding Bill Belichick's future as New England's head coach continues to be discussed the most.
Now that several former Patriots players are members of the media, they have had to share their perspectives on what is being said, with the latest being LeGarrette Blount.
During his weekly appearance on NESN’s “Ultimate Betting Show,” he expressed his belief that Belichick will not be fired this season but will stay with the team beyond the 2023 season, with fewer responsibilities on his plate.
"I don’t see Bill going anywhere. I maybe see him taking a little bit less responsibility, as far as the (general manager) role or maybe someone that makes the contract decisions or the money decisions. I think maybe they’ll take him out of that role a little bit in order for you to be able to contend in these games — big-time games.
I think they take more responsibility away from him and put him in a position (where) he only has to worry about the team and coaching. I don’t think they move away from Bill. I just don’t see that happening."
Blount's take seems the most reasonable, given the history that Belichick has with the organization and the long list of accolades he has accrued during that time. Firing a coach like him mid-season seems out of the question, even more so knowing his relationship with Robert Kraft.
Of course, there's always the possibility that will change; maybe they will mutually part ways. However, narrowing Belichick's responsibilities feels like a move in the right direction, even if it's not the most popular decision among fans.
Matthew Slater talks the continued rivalry between the Patriots and Colts ahead of Week 10 matchup
The longtime rivalry between the New England Patriots and Indianapolis Colts is well documented, with one of the more controversial incidents stemming from the beginning of the years-long scandal called deflategate.
It has left a sour taste in the mouths of those who work for the Patriots organization and their fans, a drawn-out situation that will forever be remembered by all who experienced the debacle in real-time. But that's not the only reason there is tension between the two teams.
Other than the rivalry between Tom Brady and Peyton Manning when he spent the first 13 years of his career in Indy, there is also the reignition of the feud when Josh McDaniels accepted the position as their new head coach, only to back out at the last minute in order to return to New England.
It prompted Colts GM Chris Ballard to declare the "rivalry is back on" as he ended the press conference in response to McDaniels' decision not to take on the role.
Yooooooo Chris Ballard said “the rivalry is back on” before walking out of his press conference. pic.twitter.com/yR1TsX393m
— Will Brinson (@WillBrinson) February 7, 2018
Fast forward nearly six years later, and players will tell you it still feels that way even after all this time.
Matthew Slater spoke about the history between the two teams ahead of their matchup in Germany on Sunday, mentioning how this game is a meaningful game for both teams, and although circumstances are different than they used to be, their matchups still hold equal meaning for all involved.
Since the infamous line by Ballard in 2018, the teams have met just twice and split the games, but that doesn't mean the competitiveness is any lower than it used to be. Slater reiterated that point on Friday, stating the games still feel personal despite the significant changes made to both teams over the years.
"I’ve certainly felt it. Coach (Belichick) has gone out of his way to highlight the past two years, the way those two games went. They were two totally different games, so it does have that feel. It’s certainly personal for both sides, I’m sure both teams are excited."
It will be interesting to see how this may become a factor in their matchup on Sunday and if it will potentially fuel the Patriots to get the job done in Frankfurt, coming home with another win for the fans.
Latest gossip suggests Bill O'Brien won't remain in New England in 2024
Bill O'Brien's return to New England as the Patriots' offensive coordinator had been rumored for the past two years. Before Matt Patricia was given the clipboard to replace Josh McDaniels, O'Brien had been the favorite to reclaim his old position in Foxboro. But because he was still under contract for one more season at Alabama, the Patriots couldn't hire him until this offseason.
Because he has been out of the NFL since he was fired from his head coaching position with the Texans, rumors have suggested that O'Brien would use his return to the Patriots as a stepping stone to get back into the league as a head coach.
That is gaining steam again, as the Patriots sit with a 2-7 record ahead of their Week 10 matchup with the Colts, with Ben Volin revealing he hasn't spoken to anyone who feels O'Brien will remain with the team long-term.
"No one I’ve spoken to believes that O’Brien came to New England with long-term plans of being the offensive coordinator, because he wants to use the job as a springboard to a head coaching opportunity.
He could have been a candidate to succeed Belichick, but Jones’ struggles and the Patriots’ 31st-ranked scoring offense probably have squashed that. Now there are rumors that O’Brien, a former Penn State coach, could be headed back to college, with Michigan State looking for a new coach (and maybe Michigan, too)."
It doesn't seem much of a stretch to believe that a former NFL head coach would have aspirations to return to that role if given the opportunity. But it also doesn't look like O'Brien has proven he can be a viable head coach based on how the Patriots offense has performed this year, although it's not a responsibility entirely on his shoulders.
If he does choose to move on, though, it makes McDaniels' availability even more interesting. Unless Robert Kraft wants to overhaul the entire coaching staff and team from top to bottom, assuming McDaniels will return is certainly valid and seems even more plausible if O'Brien chooses to leave after just one season back in New England.
Are you interested in writing about the team for our site? We have open Paid Contributor roles available; apply now to get the process started to have your voice heard by the masses!