4and12to12and4
01-18-2008, 11:40 PM
Grumpy Old Man
I just watched the press conference of Bill Belichek, and ... wow ...
I have poured over so many things to say, but it all comes down to this ... that guy is scary as hell. I have NEVER watched a press conference in which the person behind the pulpit actually makes the reporters nervous. You could hear a pin drop between questions. And those who were brave enough to ask a question, did so with reluctance, you could literally see their adam's apple protude as they gulped in fear. My god, I remember Don Shula, good ol' Vince, etc., but none of the coaches of old seem to give out the same vibe as Belichek. He's like the mean uncle that you never wanted to look in the eye as a child. His steely demeanor is scarier than Satan himself. As I watched him, and felt uncomfortable even in my own home, I thought to myself, my god, if the Patriots win it all, will they even be able to look back at the season with any thoughts of enjoyment? A reporter, after NINE seconds (and I counted) of uncomfortable silence, had the guts to grab a microphone and ask Bill a question, he asked "Bill, how much fun and enjoyment have you gotten out of this season, yourself?" I knew he asked him that simply because he himself hadn't gotten ANY enjoyment before or after ANY Patriots game even though they had won them ALL! Belichek, as stern as ever, tight-lipped and growling, replied, "Well, there certainly have been some good moments, BUT ..." And as always, back to the dreary corporate answer, "BUT, really the season right now hinges on one game, it's a one game season with the San Diego Chargers, and they're the best team we've played, and we're gonna have to play our best game, and that's really where our focus is right now, it's looking ahead, not really looking back or looking at anything other than San Diego and looking at Sunday at 3 o'clock and thats when we need our peek performance, when we need to be at our best and thats where the target is, so, other than that, THERE ISN'T TOO MUCH TO THINK ABOUT, SO ..." And there you have it, Belichek giving an answer on the FUN and ENJOYMENT of going 16-0 during the season. Absolutely NO joy whatsoever. I almost feel sorry for the players. He is so bleak, and so dreary, it's gotta be such a chore just being around him. Is it a successful approach? Obviously it is. But at what cost? His players have to be the most miserable football players on planet earth. I would HATE being around him for more than 10 seconds. I have never seen a press conference so quiet and humbled. Those guys were actually scared to even ask him a question. My god. Can you imagine playing for him? I know some here will reply that "tough leadership" is a good thing, and I agree with that TO A POINT, but he takes it to another level. I guess that level brings perfection, but I think I'd rather lose a couple along the way and enjoy the trip, than be miserable and win 'em all.
I just watched the press conference of Bill Belichek, and ... wow ...
I have poured over so many things to say, but it all comes down to this ... that guy is scary as hell. I have NEVER watched a press conference in which the person behind the pulpit actually makes the reporters nervous. You could hear a pin drop between questions. And those who were brave enough to ask a question, did so with reluctance, you could literally see their adam's apple protude as they gulped in fear. My god, I remember Don Shula, good ol' Vince, etc., but none of the coaches of old seem to give out the same vibe as Belichek. He's like the mean uncle that you never wanted to look in the eye as a child. His steely demeanor is scarier than Satan himself. As I watched him, and felt uncomfortable even in my own home, I thought to myself, my god, if the Patriots win it all, will they even be able to look back at the season with any thoughts of enjoyment? A reporter, after NINE seconds (and I counted) of uncomfortable silence, had the guts to grab a microphone and ask Bill a question, he asked "Bill, how much fun and enjoyment have you gotten out of this season, yourself?" I knew he asked him that simply because he himself hadn't gotten ANY enjoyment before or after ANY Patriots game even though they had won them ALL! Belichek, as stern as ever, tight-lipped and growling, replied, "Well, there certainly have been some good moments, BUT ..." And as always, back to the dreary corporate answer, "BUT, really the season right now hinges on one game, it's a one game season with the San Diego Chargers, and they're the best team we've played, and we're gonna have to play our best game, and that's really where our focus is right now, it's looking ahead, not really looking back or looking at anything other than San Diego and looking at Sunday at 3 o'clock and thats when we need our peek performance, when we need to be at our best and thats where the target is, so, other than that, THERE ISN'T TOO MUCH TO THINK ABOUT, SO ..." And there you have it, Belichek giving an answer on the FUN and ENJOYMENT of going 16-0 during the season. Absolutely NO joy whatsoever. I almost feel sorry for the players. He is so bleak, and so dreary, it's gotta be such a chore just being around him. Is it a successful approach? Obviously it is. But at what cost? His players have to be the most miserable football players on planet earth. I would HATE being around him for more than 10 seconds. I have never seen a press conference so quiet and humbled. Those guys were actually scared to even ask him a question. My god. Can you imagine playing for him? I know some here will reply that "tough leadership" is a good thing, and I agree with that TO A POINT, but he takes it to another level. I guess that level brings perfection, but I think I'd rather lose a couple along the way and enjoy the trip, than be miserable and win 'em all.