21 September 2023 , 23:46
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Marlon Humphrey, the All-pro cornerback for the Baltimore Ravens, has recently joined the long-standing debate on whether the New England Patriots dynasty was primarily due to Bill Belichick's mastermind coaching or Tom Brady's Hall-of-Fame-level gameplay.
Humphrey recently spoke on his " Punch Line" podcast, a show he co-hosts with sports media personality Jack Settleman. "Is Belichick elite, or is Tom Brady elite? That's the million-dollar question," Humphrey asked. "It's looking more like Brady, but it is what it is."
The dynamic duo of Belichick and Brady achieved unprecedented success together, clinching six Super Bowl championships during their tenure in New England. But since Brady departed from the team in 2020, the Patriots have experienced a significant shift in their level of performance.
Throughout the post-Brady era, including playoff games, the Patriots have managed a win-loss record of 25-28. It reflects the challenges the franchise has faced in sustaining a winning tradition without one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history.
The transitional period has marked a notable change in the team's fortunes and the public perception of each individual's sustained greatness.
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Brady joined the Tampa BayBuccaneers in early 2020 and wasted no time continuing his success, winning Super Bowl LV and extending his records to seven victories in 10 Super Bowl appearances. At age 43, Brady was named the Super Bowl MVP for a fifth time, setting a league record.
Meanwhile, the Patriots started this season with an 0-2 record, marking the first time they have begun a season without a win through Week 2 since 2001. That season, Drew Bledsoe started the first two games of the season before Brady officially took over after Bledsoe got hurt.
Tom Brady and head coach Bill Belichick won six Super Bowls togetherGiven the high standards and expectations associated with the Patriots, it's not uncommon for questions and assessments to arise when the team faces adversity.
Belichick, one of the most accomplished head coaches in NFL history, has been the subject of scrutiny and debate regarding his effectiveness in this new era for the Patriots following the departure of Brady. At the same time, Patriot fans and NFL analysts have foregone the challenging endeavor of remaining on top as NFL teams go through cycles of success and rebuilding.
New England is determined to avoid a 0-3 start to the season for the first time since Belichick's inaugural season at the helm in 2000. In their upcoming Week 3 AFC East clash, the team will play against the rival New York Jets with Zach Wilson at quarterback after Aaron Rodgers suffered a season-ending Achilles injury in Week 1.
Mac Jones, the quarterback for the Patriots, has completed at least 30 passes in the season's first two games. If he accomplishes the stat line against the Jets, he will become the second player in Patriots history after Brady to achieve this feat in their first three games.