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New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick had a pretty straightforward answer in regards to whether or not he would play certain players, as he met with the media on Wednesday.
New England is set to finish their 2023 campaign on Sunday, as they look for their fifth win of the season. Five wins would be the lowest total for the organization since the 2000 season, which was Belichick’s first year as head coach in New England. If the season ended today, the Patriots currently hold the third overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft.
With all that said, Belichick is still approaching it like any other game and playing the players that can play. This isn’t a situation where he’ll be resting guys just to kick the tires on younger talent.
“Players want to play…if they can play, I wouldn’t not play them,” Belichick said on Wednesday, via the Boston Sports Journal’s Mike Giardi.
Bill Belichick is asked if he would consider shutting some guys down this weekend due to health. "players want to play…if they can play, I wouldn't not play them."
— Mike Giardi (@MikeGiardi) January 3, 2024
There’s little doubt that Belichick is focused on winning Sunday’s game against the New York Jets. Nevertheless, many are looking towards the future and closing the book on this disappointing season.