3x Patriots Super Bowl champ reveals how Bill Belichick donned meteorologist hat to gameplan vs Jets
Bill Belichick's stint with the New England Patriots is already known to be the stuff of legend. As he dominated his way to six wins in nine Super Bowl appearances, he created an unmistakable reputation as a man who has unbelievable attention to detail when it comes to his gameplanning.
And more proof of that meticulousness comes courtesy of former defensive back Devin McCourty, who won three Super Bowls with Belichick and the Patriots.
On Tuesday's episode of This Is Football, he recounted an instance of his head coach playing meteorologist ahead of a Monday Night game against the New York Jets:
"He grabs all the corners and says, 'Hey, when we're running down this sideline, the wind whirls like (this). The ball is going to look like it's going further than what it is, but it's going to hit that wind and drop. So when you're running on this side, make sure you turn around and get your head back.'"
He continued:
"And I remember sitting there like, really, “Really dude, the wind pattern?” and sure enough, I get a go ball on that side against (Jets WR) Braylon Edwards. I turn and then look back at him, and then I remember what Bill said. I turn my head back, ball drops right in my lap. Get an interception."
Bill Belichick criticizes successor Jerod Mayo for mismanaging the clock vs. Seahawks
The Bill Belichick era in Foxboro ended in early 2024, when the Patriots, coming off a 4-13 record (their worst under him) decided to go in a different direction. The man appointed to succeed him was none other than former linebacker Jerod Mayo, who had been serving as positional coach.
Under their new head coach, the team got off to a strong start, winning 16-10 at the Cincinnati Bengals. But things took a downturn in their first home game, which they lost 23-20 in overtime to the Seattle Seahawks.
But for Bill Belichick, the game was decided in the Patriots' final drive of the first half, when Mayo switched to the pass after a running first play and came up short in the next two, causing a three-and-out. The Seahawks scored a field goal on the next drive.
He said on the Manningcast:
“That was a big three points they picked up there with some, let’s say, questionable clock management.”
Next for Mayo's Patriots are the Jets on the road this Thursday night.