Bill Belichick may have spent the better part of the last two decades tormenting the New York Jets , but the former New England Patriots head coach believes Gang Green has the pieces in place to be a viable Super Bowl contender this season.
Over his decorated 24-year career as Patriots head coach, Belichick recorded a 39-13 record against the Jets, including playoffs. New York managed to get the last laugh against their bitter rival, however, securing a 17-3 win over New England in what would ultimately be the 72-year-old’s sendoff from his longtime team.
There appears to be no bad blood between the Jets and Belichick, however, as the third-winningest coach in the league had nothing but good things to say about the downtrodden franchise that he so often got the better of.
"The Jets are one of the hardest teams to prepare for from a skill standpoint because of Breece Hall," he said during the premier episode of Underdog Fantasy’s show ‘Coach.’ "Outstanding running back that has the ability to take the ball the distance. He's very good in the passing game.”
Although the Jets had an injury-riddled offensive line and revolving door at the Jets quarterback position, Hall still managed to shine last season, finishing fourth in the NFL in yards from scrimmage with 1,585. Unfortunately for opposing defenses, attempting to stop the dynamic running back will open the door for another one of New York’s stars, wide receiver Garrett Wilson .
“Defensively you want to do everything you can to get the ball out of his hands and load the box. The problem is, if you load the box you're singled out there on Wilson, and that's a tall order," Belichick added.
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Since being drafted with the No. 10 overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft - 26 ahead of Hall - Wilson has dominated at the professional level despite spotty quarterback play. The Ohio State product has eclipsed over 1,000 receiving yards since entering the league, finishing last season with 95 catches for 1,042 yards and three touchdowns.
According to Belichick, four-time MVP Aaron Rodgers will be able to utilize Hall and Wilson well, forming the makings of one of the best offenses in the NFL. “Aaron knows how to use them and Aaron will know where the defense is heavy and where they're light and be able to work the ball there,” he added.
If there’s anything that Belichick believes will slow down the Jets, it’s injuries. Rodgers notoriously only lasted four snaps last season before tearing his Achilles, while the offensive line was additionally hampered by a myriad of injuries.
“They just need to solidify the consistency of the offensive line, but on paper I think they have a good offense, and they're hard to defend with a good quarterback, a great wide receiver and a great running back.”
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