The End of Tom Brady?

Perhaps this is why Tom Brady was fighting so hard to restore his reputation and get rid of the suspension. If you don’t perform, they move on from you.

They traded for veteran guard Jonathan Cooper. Occasionally, they chanted Brady’s name.

However, one reporter on Friday pursued the matter, first asking Belichick if he could remember a time where the coach had ever clarified a starting quarterback so early into camp, to which Belichick replied, “I don’t know”.

Brady had his own frustrations to deal with. But how did Tom Brady get that first start, was he expected to take over the role and that was just his time? Think about it! If you’re a Patriots fan, the schadenfreude you will experience if the team actually wins is off the charts.

The last time Belichick was asked a question like that was during the 2014 season after the Patriots’ embarrassing loss to the Kansas City Chiefs on Monday Night Football. The Dolphins, Texans, and Bills all will feature defensive lines that will be centered around getting to the quarterback. The Patriots has a chance to see what they can get from their backup quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo.

For now, offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels said the plan during camp is to make sure all three quarterbacks get plenty of reps, with now specified first- or second-team designations. Naturally, he was a popular interview partner following yesterday’s first training camp practice, during which the 24-year old looked sharp and in command of the offense.

The last four games could be challenging for the Patriots as they play to stay in the race for the playoffs. “You don’t get many opportunities in this league”. Lastly the Pats have Baltimore and the New York Jets, both of which consider themselves rivals, both of which have been thorns in the side of fans in the past decade or so.

Then Brady returns in Week 5 against the Browns – and, according to Belichick, not a moment later. The Bills failed to gain traction previous year, finishing 8-8 and forcing Ryan to admit he set expectations too high.

Still even Garoppolo had to point out that throwing to players like Gronkowski or offseason acquisition Martellus Bennett “is awesome”.

Conclusion: There are very few “gimme games” on the Patriots’ schedule this year.