Last season, the New England Patriots had three different Belichicks on their coaching staff. However, after the team and legendary head coach Bill Belichick parted ways at the end of the season, Steve Belichick took a new job at the University of Washington, leaving Brian Belichick to stay on as the team’s safeties coach. Belichick, who was New England’s defensive play caller, made an interesting decision by moving across the country to join the college ranks. Belichick would have been in line to formally become the team’s defensive coordinator once Jerod Mayo was promoted to head coach.

However, Belichick opted for a different route and disclosed his decision to quit the Patriots this past week.

Belichick said, “I wasn’t eager to leave (the Patriots) or anything like that,” to Jeff Howe of The Athletic. “You simply maintain your options open. Things take place. Although everyone of us had a distinct motivation for working at a different career, it seemed natural.”

Belichick has a built-in relationship with Huskies head coach Jedd Fisch. In 2020, during Fisch’s one and only season with the team as the quarterbacks coach, the two men came into contact.

Fisch subsequently moved on to become Arizona’s head coach before making the move to Washington in January. And he made sure that Belichick was in tow.

According to Belichick, “it kind of happened organically.” “Being outside is cool. The way it happened is strange. I’m excited to be here, and everything came into place.

“It’s been excellent. I am so grateful that coach Fisch granted me this chance. Moving across the country and attending college are undoubtedly different experiences, but football is still football. It’s gone well. gaining a great deal of knowledge. I can’t wait to continue it.”

Belichick claimed that his well-known father, who also assists Fisch, gives him coaching guidance.

This is Belichick’s first season coaching without his father, despite the fact that the 12-year New England coach claimed he never felt like he was in his father’s shadow while working with the team. And he’s looking forward to the clean slate that lies ahead.

Belichick declared, “I’m proud of what I accomplished in New England.” “So many wonderful connections. It was incredible. I started my family there and lived there for a very long time. Now that I’m here, I don’t worry about what will occur in the future. We must have positive camp days, accumulate them, and go on to win some games.

“I never imagined that I would come out here or that, for a while before I did, I would be itching to go somewhere else. I’m out here now that it’s happened. I have no interest in going somewhere else. I’m excited to spend time with these men and remain here. I’m only concerned about that.”

Out of the High-Impact Patriots Practice, Three Gems, Three Fails.

FOXBORO, Massachusetts The Patriots’ preseason opener on August 8 against the Carolina Panthers will shortly begin with preparations.

However, New England needed to gain some “sweat equity” before doing so, and the inclement weather on Saturday made that very simple. Who on that sweltering afternoon increased their stock? Who was the victim here? Throughout practice, we kept a close eye on certain people who stood out for different reasons.

Here are the biggest hits and misses of the day:

Hunter STUDS TE During competitive team drills, Henry Henry made two incredible catches. One of his one-handed catches over Kyle Dugger brought the spectators at the practice fields outside Gillette Stadium to their feet. Although he has performed admirably during training camp, Saturday’s session may have been his best since joining the Patriots.

One-hand Hunt ✋@JBrissett12 | @Hunter_Henry84 pic.twitter.com/kyQO6TyXGi

— New England Patriots (@Patriots) August 3, 2024

Regardless of the person tossing him the ball (Jacoby Brissett has been the most frequent), he’s once again turned into a favored target.

S Jaylinn Hawkins
A.J. Thomas and Dell Pettus are the current contenders for Hawkins’ roster position, and he appears to be the leader of the clubhouse. In 11-on-11s, he picked off Brissett and took advantage of a ball that was tipped in the end zone.

According to Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo, the 26-year-old will play “a lot” of snaps during the preseason.

EDGE Ximines, Oshane
Throughout training camp, Ximines has been as reliable as they come, making a difference on special teams and defense. When asked about players who appeared in both phases, Mayo mentioned Ximines, and it is anticipated that he will be one of those who is trusted to have an influence on the new kickoffs.

On Saturday, Ximines declared, “I really like it.” “After taking sprinting away from the kickoff, everything is now five yards away. It’s one of my strong points because everything moves quickly there. It fits my game because it’s like getting off the line and playing tight end or tackle.”

DUDS WR Smith-Schuster JuJu
Not to put too much pressure on the guy, but come on.

He has been by far the least productive receiver in camp. During one of the competitive team sessions, he was moved to the second field and practiced alongside Joe Milton III and Bailey Zappe. He did get some reps with Drake Maye, but before the ball even reached him, he collapsed on his single target.

RB Kevin Harris Harris has shown promise on the field, but on Saturday he had three drops. For the third running back spot, New England may have to go elsewhere if he isn’t able to pose a serious threat when running routes out of the backfield.

When it comes to passing, JaMycal Hasty has been reliable.

Joe Milton III, quarterback
Those who haven’t watched any practices this summer claim Milton is the starter, so you might be shocked to hear he went just 1-for-4 in competitive team drills with two nasty misses.