Patch Patriots Roundup: Is This Really It For Bill Belichick?

FOXBOROUGH, MA — A Sunday matchup against the New York Jets could be the last time Bill Belichick dons a hoodie on the sidelines as head coach of the New England Patriots.

Let that sink in.

More than two decades of dominance — including the greatest dynasty in the history of the National Football League — came to an end over the last two years, and it appears to be a real possibility that Belichick's tenure will too after this weekend.

According to reports, Belichick and team owner Robert Kraft are set to meet on Monday. As we've covered previously in this column, it's also been reported that Kraft has already decided Belichick's future with the team. However, ESPN's Mike Reiss said this week that may not be the case.

Belichick, of course, hasn't revealed his thoughts about his future when asked. (Some things from the dynasty era haven't changed.)

This week, a Boston Herald story revealed additional layers about the team's last two years, including a bit about Belichick reportedly attempting to bring back Matt Patricia as offensive coordinator. Kraft pushed back against that, leading to Bill O'Brien taking on the role.

That Herald story is well worth the read. Plus, here's what else to know heading into the final week of an immensely disappointing Patriots season:

Patriot-Free Pro Bowl

For the first time since 2000, not a single Patriot was named to the Pro Bowl. Three other teams — the Washington Commanders, Carolina Panthers and Green Bay Packers — also finished the year with no players selected to the Pro Bowl.

For Patriots fans, this news probably comes as no surprise, as there have been few bright spots for the team.

Rookie cornerback Christian Gonzalez started the year hot, but suffered a season-ending injury during the year's first half. Edge rusher Matthew Judon has also missed most of the year.

The lone case for Pro Bowler, then, came from defensive tackle Christan Barmore, who collected 8.5 sacks and a forced fumble during a productive campaign.

Tank, Tank, Tank

It's time for this journalist's weekly trip to tankathon dot com.

Good news for the Patriots is they still sit in the top three picks, but that would change should the team beat the Jets on Sunday.

Some of you may be thinking: why is being outside of the top two a good thing?

For starters, it means drafting Marvin Harrison Jr. is a possibility. For a team that hasn't had a dominant number one wide receiver — who can play outside, no disrespect to Julian Edelman — since Randy Moss, a star wideout would be a welcome sight.

Second, it's still possible to draft a franchise quarterback. LSU's Jayden Daniels is coming off a Heisman Trophy campaign, and Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. is currently making his way up draft boards after a stellar College Football Playoff game against Texas.

The real draft question pertains to the first section of this roundup: Who will be making these picks, and who will be coaching up the selections come training camp?

How To Watch, Listen

Kickoff: 1 p.m.

Television: Fox

Streaming: Fox Sports

Radio: 98.5 The Sports Hub