With most of America keenly awaiting the publication of a behind the scenes account of the dysfunction of the White House, ESPN have snaffled attention with an insider account of a breakdown between some of the president's most prominent supporters.
Bill Belichick and Tom Brady have enjoyed one of the most fruitful working relationships in American history, but with the former drawing to the end and pondering his legacy and the latter refusing to bow to the march of time at all, there are reportedly deep fissures forming in the Patriots' organisation.
The full story is lengthy but very much worth your time, and is available here.
Brady's mood has soured of late, according to the report. Insiders told ESPN that he has been irked by Belichick's attitude toward him.
He [Brady] feels he has accomplished enough that he shouldn't have to endure so much grief. Patriots staffers have noticed that, this year more than ever, he seems to volley between unwavering confidence and driving insecurity. Brady has noted to staff a few times this year that, no matter how many game-changing throws he makes, Belichick hasn't awarded him Patriot of the Week all year.
Brady's stunning performance in the most recent Superbowl added credence to his belief that he should keep on playing until his mid-forties, which has complicated Belichick's plans for his own legacy. According to ESPN, Belichick had intended to ensure the future of the Patriots by leaving them secure at quarterback. According to the report, Belichick intended on that quarterback being Jimmy Garoppolo.
Brady, however, appears to ultimately have had his way over the coach. Having held long meetings with Robert Kraft over extending his contract - similar meetings with Belichick were met with skepticism by the coach over whether Brady deserved a contract extension - Kraft then had a lengthy meeting with Belichick regarding the QB position.
At the end, Kraft handed down a mandate.
Trade Garoppolo because he would not be in the team's long-term plans, and then, once again, find the best quarterback in the draft and develop him. Belichick was furious and demoralized, according to friends.
Having not been particularly helpful to Garoppolo - "The two quarterbacks were friendly, but Brady -- like Joe Montana to Steve Young and Brett Favre to Aaron Rodgers -- didn't see it as his role to advise Garoppolo, even on matters as trivial as footwork" - he was said to be exuberant when Belichick elected to trade Garoppolo to the 49ers.
Brady, though, seemed liberated. Kraft hugged Brady when he saw him that week, in full view of teammates. A few days later during practice, some players and staffers noticed that Brady seemed especially excited, hollering and cajoling. Brady was once again the team's present and future. His new backup, Brian Hoyer, was a longtime friend and not a threat. The owner was in Brady's corner. "He won," a Patriots staffer says.
Garoppolo has since gone 5-0 to add sheen and optimism to the 49ers, and in spite of a 13-3 season thus far, there are serious fissures appearing between both.
Up to now, both could work together as it was the best way of delivering Superbowl success. But when the more intangible issue of legacy is concern, Bill Belichick and Tom Brady are finding out that perhaps this time, they can't work together.
Read the piece in full.
