Former longtime New England Patriots linebacker Ted Johnson stated that head coach Invoice Belichick “give up” on the group of their Week 15 loss in opposition to the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs.
Johnson, who has voiced criticism relating to his former coach quite a few instances in recent times, appeared on NBC Sports activities Boston’s “Patriots Postgame Dwell” following the 27-17 loss to the Chiefs.
“I assumed it was embarrassing the way in which that sport ended. I actually did,” Johnson stated. “I assumed it was embarrassing the way in which the sport was referred to as, the conservative nature by which that sport was referred to as from Invoice Belichick.”
Johnson wasn’t alone in his harsh phrases for his former boss, as retired quarterback Matt Cassel blasted Belichick as effectively. Cassel performed with the Patriots beneath Belichick for the primary 4 seasons of his profession from 2005-08.
“I might be pissed off,” Cassel stated throughout the postgame present. “Because the quarterback of the group, I might say, ‘Look, we have these guys out right here. They’ve all made this group… you have to give us a chance. Give us sufficient belief to go on the market (and attempt to make a play).”
Trailing 27-10 within the opening moments of the fourth quarter, New England confronted fourth-and-two by itself 42-yard line and Belichick selected to punt. The three-time AP Coach of the Yr once more performed issues conservatively with 9:20 remaining, having the group punt on fourth-and-four from their very own 33-yard line, nonetheless down by 17.
“The insecurity additionally hurts this group at instances, as a result of possibly Bailey Zappe makes a play or DeVante Parker or one among these guys steps up and also you’re in a position to put collectively a drive and get your self again into the ballgame,” Cassel stated. “So once more, as a participant, as a competitor, you need the ball in your hand. You need the chance to do every thing you possibly can to win the ballgame.”
Johnson was chosen by the Patriots within the second spherical of the 1995 NFL Draft and spent his whole 10-year profession with New England, together with the final 5 with Belichick as his head coach. The 51-year-old helped the Patriots win their first three Tremendous Bowls in 2002, 2004 and 2005, recording three tackles for loss and a pair of.5 sacks over 14 profession playoff video games.
