By Matt Dolloff, 985TheSportsHub.com
It’s become more apparent over the years what kind of players Bill Belichick likes to have in his offense. But it’s fascinating to see it in writing.
Thanks to former Ravens scout Daniel Jeremiah, we know what it looks like to get an actual document on what Belichick wants out of his offensive players, position by position. The paper Jeremiah tweeted on Tuesday goes all the way back to 1991, when Belichick was in his first season as head coach of the Cleveland Browns.
What should make this document so engrossing for Belichick fans is that it details many of the same philosophies that he still adheres to most of the time in New England. Just look at the quarterback position.
“#1 is to make good decisions – then arm, size, physically tough, leadership, guys look up to and have confidence in, a real competitor. Accurate rather than guy with a cannon. Emphasis on our game will be on decision, timing, accuracy – guy needs to be confident, intelligence is important but not as much so as field awareness & judgment. Can’t be sloppy fundamentally unsound guy w/ ball handling, tech’s, etc. Footwork, drops, release, etc. – QB has to be able to throw the ball with accuracy.”
Well if Tom Brady doesn’t fit this entire mold to an absolute T. Sure it’s fair to say that the greatest of all time basically fell in Belichick’s lap at pick No. 199, this analysis shows why Belichick saw Brady as a player who could work well for him.
Here’s some other interesting highlights from what Belichick looks for at certain positions:
– Wide Receiver: “#1 has to be able to get off [the line of scrimmage] whether w/ size, speed, quicks or any combination of the three, then has to be able to catch, can improve hands to some degree. Has to be able to run disciplined routes, not necessarily smart, just disciplined, have to get where they’re going & how they’re getting there. … Speed only enters the equation in relation to players’ ability to escape the LOS. Good leap and timing are more important than speed – need good upper body strength and quickness.”
– Tight End: “#1 has to be a catcher, Ozzie Newsome, Keith Jackson types. Don’t need the [offensive line] type guy in a TE’s jersey. Take what we can get from him on the blocking, just gets in the way and tie up, we can work around his blocking ability – catch, run, block – #2 or #3 TE needs to be the blocker for situational running situations … 6’3”, 235 minimum type guy, needs to be big enough to get in the way.”
– Running Back: “Tuff inside, north-south guy, has enough to bounce it outside, needs to be able to catch the ball, has to be able to step up & take on the blitz – also need a 3rd down back … needs to be smart enough to block the right guy on the blitz – also need a smart guy who can block & catch, not have to be a runner necessarily.”
ATLANTA, GA – FEBRUARY 4: Head Coach Bill Belichick of the Super Bowl LIII Champion New England Patriots is interviewed at a press conference at the Georgia World Congress Center. (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images)
Not to be pushy but if Jeremiah doesn’t give us Belichick’s analysis for the defense then we’re all going to leave our quarantines and riot. It’s a must-see now that we’ve gotten a glimpse at his offensive philosophies.
Again, some of this isn’t surprising at all, but it’s a whole new level to get Belichick’s own words.
Matt Dolloff is a digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Have a news tip, question, or comment for Matt? Follow him on Twitter @mattdolloff or email him at matthew.dolloff@bbgi.com.
