Most successful NFL teams have a high-level starting quarterback who works well with his head coach.
Perhaps it's no wonder the New England Patriots haven't been successful over the past season-plus.
The Patriots are now 9-13 since the start of the 2022 campaign after going 8-9 last season and beginning this season 1-4. Many attributed New England's struggles last season to Belichick's installment of Matt Patricia as offensive play-caller, but apparently there was also noticeable tension between the head coach and his quarterback, Mac Jones.
From The Athletic's Jeff Howe on Wednesday:
"Belichick alienated Jones last season, a truth so obvious around the Patriots’ building that (Patriots owner Robert) Kraft became aware and had to take the temperature of the situation.