During his legendary career, Bill Belichick built a dynasty with the New England Patriots, cementing his place as one of the greatest NFL coaches of all time.
The team’s success under his leadership, particularly during the Tom Brady era, made them perennial Super Bowl contenders. But despite his long list of triumphs, Belichick recently acknowledged one of his biggest mistakes, which may have had a significant impact on the team’s future.
A missed opportunity in 2018
In a new book set to be released soon, Belichick opens up about some of the decisions he regrets, including one that many fans still debate: not drafting Lamar Jackson in the 2018 NFL Draft.
At the time, the Patriots held the 31st overall pick, a crucial opportunity to add talent to their roster. However, instead of selecting Jackson, the team chose running back Sony Michel.
Jackson, who was taken with the very next pick by the Baltimore Ravens, has since become one of the most electrifying quarterbacks in the league. His dynamic playing style has transformed the Ravens’ offense and earned him an MVP award.
In contrast, Michel played a key role in the Patriots’ final Super Bowl victory during the Brady era, but his impact has been far less profound in the long run.
Belichick’s decision to pass on Jackson is especially notable in hindsight, considering the struggles New England has faced in finding a reliable quarterback since Brady’s departure.
The team has cycled through several quarterbacks without much success, and while the emergence of Drake Maye has given the Patriots hope for the future, many believe Jackson would have been the perfect fix for their quarterback woes.
While Belichick has enjoyed immense success throughout his career, this missed opportunity could have dramatically changed the trajectory of the Patriots’ post-Brady era.
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