This was posted by one of our newer members on the BSMW Messageboard (“Claude45″). I thought it insightful:
I was just listening to Belichick on WEEI and a couple of questions and answers highlighted just how misrepresented or misunderstood he is by the media. At least in my opinion.
1.(Steve) DeOssie told a story of how Bill asked his opinion on something on the sideline. DeOssie thought he was joking because no coach had ever asked him what he thought would work before. Paraphrasing, Belichick’s answer was that no matter how pretty a game plan looks on paper, if the players don’t think it will work or think something else will work, then you need to listen and make changes to your plan. So the arrogant megalomaniac who does not want good players to mess with his perfect game plans allows the players to have feedback. This can’t be true, DeOssie and Belichick must be lying.
2. They were discussing the Welker TD play where he was wide open after discussing with Brady what to do on the fly. They asked Bill how often this happens and I thought his answer was an interesting look at how he hires coaches. He almost always promotes from within. Certainly part of it is the familiarity with the system but I think he gave a glimpse at another reason. He talked about how, for example, Brady or O’Brien will come to him and say this team is using the same type of game plan that the Redskins did in 2005 and here is how we beat it then. Bill said that this shared recall with Brady and now O’Brien puts them at an advantage when making adjustments. It may be just one play or an entire game plan. Belichick really seemed to value that continuity. So again, it may not be an arrogant megalomaniac who does not allow a dissenting voice in the room but a professional manager who finds value in that shared experience.
Granted, I am by the media’s low standards a Belichick fanboy. I am a 20 year season ticket holder and he has given me a lot of fun and enjoyment. I value that. I am a little young to clearly remember many details from the Fairbank’s era but this has to be the greatest stretch of Patriots success by any measure. I will miss it when it ends so I choose to enjoy every second of it now. I have no need to wring my hands over second round draft mistakes or fun press conferences. I am having too much fun watching the games.
