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Bill Belichick acknowledges key mistake in 2018 that impacted New England Patriots�?future

Bill Belichick acknowledges key mistake in 2018 that impacted New England Patriots�?future

TOI Sports Desk / TIMESOFINDIA.COM / Apr 12, 2025, 16:25 IST

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Bill Belichick acknowledges passing on Lamar Jackson in the 2018 NFL Draft as a significant error, especially considering the Patriots' subsequent quarterback struggles after Tom Brady's departure. While Sony Michel contributed to a Super Bowl win, Jackson's explosive performance and MVP title highlight the missed opportunity. Belichick reflects on how this decision might have reshaped the Patriots' post-Brady era.

Bill Belichick acknowledges key mistake in 2018 that impacted New England Patriots�?future

Image via Imagn Images

Over the course of his distinguished career, Bill Belichick crafted a formidable dynasty with the New England Patriots, solidifying his legacy as one of the NFL's all-time great coaches. Under his direction, particularly during the Tom Brady era, the Patriots were consistently in Super Bowl contention. Yet, despite his many triumphs, Belichick recently confessed to a significant mistake, one that may have had a lasting impact on the team's success.

Bill Belichick reflects on the missed opportunity that changed Patriots’s QB search

The mistake Bill Belichick referred to goes back to the 2018 season, a year that, despite ending in a Super Bowl win, was filled with behind-the-scenes tension and questionable decisions. One of the most criticized moves was his decision to sideline cornerback Malcolm Butler in Super Bowl LII. The unexpected benching sparked confusion among players and fans alike, and Belichick now admits it may have disrupted the team's chemistry.
In a forthcoming book, Bill Belichick reflects on some of the choices he wishes he could revisit one of the most debated being his decision to pass on Lamar Jackson during the 2018 NFL Draft.

With the 31st overall pick, the Patriots had a prime opportunity to secure a future star. Instead, they selected running back Sony Michel, while Jackson was scooped up immediately afterward by the Baltimore Ravens. Since then, Jackson has emerged as one of the league’s most explosive quarterbacks, reshaping the Ravens�?offense with his mobility and earning an MVP title along the way.
Although Michel made valuable contributions most notably helping the Patriots win their last Super Bowl in the Tom Brady era his long-term impact hasn’t matched Jackson’s game-changing presence. In hindsight, Belichick admits the decision stands out even more sharply, especially given New England's ongoing search for a dependable quarterback after Brady’s exit.
Since Brady’s departure, the Patriots have gone through multiple quarterbacks, none of whom have managed to bring lasting stability. Although the rise of Drake Maye has sparked optimism for what’s ahead, there’s still a strong belief that Lamar Jackson could have been the ideal solution to their quarterback struggles.
Despite all of Belichick’s accomplishments over the years, passing on Jackson remains a what-if moment, one that might have completely altered the course of the Patriots�?journey in the post-Brady era.
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As Belichick reflects on his legacy, it's clear that even the most brilliant minds can second-guess their past decisions. While his career is filled with unmatched achievements, the choice to overlook Lamar Jackson in 2018 serves as a reminder that every draft pick can shape a franchise’s future for better or worse. For Patriots fans, it remains a lingering “what could have been�?in the story of life after Brady.

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TOI Sports Desk

The TOI Sports Desk excels in a myriad of roles that capture the essence of live sporting events and deliver compelling content to readers worldwide. From running live blogs for India and non-India cricket matches to global spectacles featuring Indian talents, like the Chess World Cup final featuring Praggnanandhaa and the Badminton World Championships semifinal featuring HS Prannoy, our live coverage extends to all mega sporting events. We extensively cover events like the Olympics, Asian Games, Cricket World Cups, FIFA World Cups, and more. The desk is also adept at writing comprehensive match reports and insightful post-match commentary, complemented by stats-based articles that provide an in-depth analysis of player performances and team dynamics. We track news wires for key stories, conduct exclusive player interviews in both text and video formats, and file content from print editions and reporters. We keep track of all viral stories, trending topics and produce our own copies on the subjects. We deliver accurate, engaging, and up-to-the-minute sports content, round the clock.

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