The balance of how to achieve success and overcome obstacles has been brought to light. Luckily, the words from well-known New England Patriots QB, Tom Brady shed insight. Mel Kiper took to ESPN and advocated the ban of cover-2 defenses. For those who don’t know, at a basic level, this is a formation that provides help for perimeter defenses. It serves as a safety blanket against speed. It also helps against opposing coordinators looking to take a deep shot. But why would the NFL Draft analyst want to take away this completely legitimate option from a unit that has the rules set up against it?
Words From Longtime New England Patriots QB Ringing True
Offenses, particularly quarterbacks, are struggling through the majority of Week 2 games this year. On the surface, this is a nonissue. Some people prefer a hard-nosed defensive struggle. Others just want to watch football no matter what. However, at the end of the day, the NFL is a business, and offense excites. Those in positions of power want a good product for both in-person and television audiences. Consequently, this means propping up and helping offensive stars like Patrick Mahomes and Justin Jefferson. This is true even when, at times, it comes at the expense of hindering accomplishments from the other side of the ball.
But this is representative of a larger issue, even beyond football. The concern and the proposed solution come from a place of wanting to make it easier for fans to get ‘what they want’. However, the viral clip from the sure-fire Hall of Famer seemingly responds to those who agree with Kiper, although issued well before the ESPN appearance. In August, the former New England Patriots QB disclosed what he views separated him from others. Naturally, to say what led to his success, but his explanation on the Stephen A. Smith show gives some indication.
I was developed by Bill Belichick and the offensive staff there…we dumbed the game down, which has allowed them (rookies). It used to be taught at a higher level.
He would go on to explain that coaching no longer happens at the required deeper level to see marked improvement. There’s a lot to take from this quote and other parts of that interview, but these lines illustrate the main source of contention and debate. For some, making an obstacle easier to obtain and lowering the standard gives more opportunity. And it indeed provides an easier path to a certain success. However, an aspect remains true, even if you disagree with Brady’s assessment.
Takeaways From the former New England Patriots QB
Universally, taking away challenges or the necessity to reach the next level prevents people from reaching their potential. This is true both on the football field and in all walks of life. Furthermore, due to more stringent practice regulations and condensed scheduling, fans will often hear coaches lament the inadequate amount of time to teach. At the end of the day, coaches are teachers.
It’s hard to say what would have happened had a late-round draft pick from the Michigan Wolverines not been allowed to study and physically test his limits under the guidance of the Patriots staff. Regardless, Brady expresses gratitude for everyone who took the time to help him train. He constantly needed to seek more answers to the test. His preparation is legendary at this point. Furthermore, his similar desire to that of coach Belichick explains part of the reason why those teams were always in Super Bowl conversations. The ship has likely sailed to bring back those 2000s conditions.
But to push what Kiper advocated for does the service to everyone involved in football. Penalty would be enforcement would be nearly impossible and it wouldn’t give the desired result. Running up the scoreboard in a 49-42 game won’t provide more excitement or a better product. Watching players like CJ Stroud and Justin Herbert struggle and then figure it out is far more rewarding. Adjustments have been made in the past to help produce more touchdowns. Going any step further will make the NFL too similar to what a lot of NBA regular-season games are perceived as. The story of a certain New England Patriots QB isn’t as meaningful or impressive without having to navigate deep zone safety coverage.
Main Image: Ken Blaze – USA Today Sports
