With their 24-17 Week 2 loss to the Miami Dolphins, the New England Patriots fell to 0-2, the franchise's worst start to a season since 2001. Fans have been quick to throw blame on all different aspects of the Patriots, from Mac Jones to the offensive line to the lack of receiver talent -- and even to one of the greatest coaches of all time, Bill Belichick.
Former Patriots defensive end Chris Long joined our Patriots Insider Tom E. Curran on the Patriots Talk Podcast to talk about the team's early struggles. After discussing linebacker Matthew Judon's postgame speech in which Judon claimed the Patriots are not a bad team, Curran asked Long about Belichick's accountability.
🔊 Patriots Talk: Chris Long says elements are there for Patriots to get right in ‘23 | Listen & Subscribe | Watch on YouTube
Stay in the game with the latest updates on your beloved Boston sports teams! Sign up here for our All Access Daily newsletter.
"In my personal opinion, it depends on the outcome of the next year or two," Long stated. "I think he's the G.O.A.T., and I think that entitles you to certain runway that other people don't get."
Even with all the praise he gave to Belichick, Long didn't hold back from stating the obvious concerns surrounding the team.
"I do think some of the personnel stuff is a bit troubling...You look at the roster, and there are areas where I would have done it different, but who am I?"
MORE PATRIOTS COVERAGE
"Personnel issues: could be a few different areas on the field, such as the receiving core, the offensive line, and arguably even Mac Jones, but Long didn't specify. But with all of these issues known, and Belichick still not making any notable moves, is he to be held accountable, even with his 'G.O.A.T.' entitlement?
"That's not going to buy you a free pass to 4-13," Long said of Belichick's track record. "...You need to see improvement."
Long, who also specified that he is not an insider on this situation, went on to talk about Belichick's future.
"I wouldn't be surprised to see him coach somewhere else one day. I think it'd be interesting."
Going into their Week 3 matchup against the New York Jets, Belichick is currently 25 wins away from overtaking Don Shula's record as the most winningest coach in NFL history.
Also in this episode: Curran and Long talk about the Patriots' offense, Matthew Judon's week 2 speech, whether Bill Belichick needs to be on the hot seat, and more!