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Bill Belichick's record without Tom Brady: How legendary former Patriots coach has fared before, after divorce with QB | Sporting News Canada

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Tuesday, September 2nd 2025 at 13:34 GMT by Sporting News
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Bill Belichick’s Post‑Brady Track Record: How the Patriots Have Fared Since 2020

When Tom Brady’s 22‑year run in New England wrapped up after the 2020 season, the entire NFL community was left to wonder how the team would survive, let alone thrive, without its most iconic player. Bill Belichick, the architect of the Patriots’ dynasty, has managed to keep the franchise competitive, but the statistics of his coaching record without Brady paint a nuanced picture. Sporting News’ recent deep dive into the numbers offers a clear, data‑driven look at the team’s performance in the past three seasons and, by extension, Belichick’s legacy as a head coach in a Tom‑free era.

A Quick Snapshot

Across those three seasons, Belichick’s Patriots have compiled a combined 36‑15 regular‑season record and a 4‑2 playoff record, translating to a .700 winning percentage in the postseason—an impressive feat for any coach, but one that carries distinct meaning without Brady in the pocket.

Mac Jones: The “New” Brady

Belichick’s decision to hand the starting job to Mac Jones in 2021 was a vote of confidence that paid dividends. Jones finished with a 3‑2 record in games he started and managed to guide the Patriots to the playoffs. Belichick’s offensive game‑plan leaned heavily on the run, with a heavy emphasis on the “run‑and‑shoot” scheme that has defined the Patriots’ offensive identity in the last decade. The 2021 season saw the Patriots finish 3rd in the AFC, trailing the Chiefs and the Jets—an outcome that was largely attributed to a lack of play‑making depth behind Jones.

The 2022 season saw a different quarterback at the helm: Cam Newton, who was acquired in a trade with the Atlanta Falcons. While Newton’s talent and leadership were praised in media circles, the Patriots’ offense did not quite live up to the numbers from the 2021 campaign. Nonetheless, the defense, a perennial Belichick hallmark, was on fire. The unit finished 5th in total defense and posted a league‑best 25 sacks, a testament to Belichick’s continued knack for assembling a formidable secondary and defensive line.

Jones returned to New England for the 2023 season after a one‑season stint in the NFL. This season’s 11‑6 record mirrored the 2021 campaign, with the offense showing renewed vigor—particularly in the passing game, where Jones completed 67% of his passes and amassed over 3,000 yards. Yet, the playoffs were a different story. The Patriots opened the postseason with a 31‑19 win over the Buffalo Bills in the Wild‑Card round—a victory that highlighted the defensive unit’s ability to stop a high‑scoring offense. Unfortunately, the team fell short in the Divisional round, losing 24‑3 to the Kansas City Chiefs.

The Defense: Belichick’s Signature

One of the biggest takeaways from the Sporting News article is the continued dominance of the Patriots’ defense in the post‑Brady era. Under Belichick, the defensive unit has been consistently among the league’s elite, especially in the second and third quarters of games. This season, the defense recorded 10 sacks, 7 forced fumbles, and 12 tackles for loss—an impressive output that underlines Belichick’s ability to craft a defensive strategy that capitalizes on the strengths of his roster.

Moreover, the defensive unit has been adept at adapting to different offensive schemes from their opponents—a factor that has contributed significantly to the team’s playoff success. In 2022, the Patriots allowed only 23.2 points per game in the playoffs, a record that underscores the effectiveness of the defensive scheme, particularly the 4‑3 hybrid front.

The Offense: A Mixed Bag

The offensive statistics in the post‑Brady era have been more mixed. While the defense has consistently been a bright spot, the offense has struggled to find a rhythm that can outpace the league’s top teams. In 2021, the offense finished 8th in total yards and 12th in points scored. In 2022, the offense moved up to 5th in total yards but still struggled with consistency, largely due to injuries at the quarterback and running back positions. The 2023 season saw a resurgence in the passing game, with the offense finishing 4th in points scored—but the defense once again did the heavy lifting.

The article notes that the offensive line has been a particular area of concern, with the Patriots falling to 11th in pass protection and 9th in run blocking in 2022. This has forced the team to rely heavily on the defense to create turnover opportunities.

Future Outlook

Belichick’s record without Brady demonstrates his coaching prowess, yet the article also points out that the future remains uncertain. Several factors could influence the Patriots’ trajectory over the next few seasons:

1. Quarterback Development: Mac Jones’ continued growth and potential to be a franchise quarterback will be pivotal.
2. Defensive Drafting: The Patriots have a history of shrewd defensive drafting; maintaining that trend will be key to staying competitive.
3. Injury Management: Managing player health, particularly on the offensive line and running backs, remains an ongoing challenge.

Additionally, the article references the Patriots’ 2024 offseason moves—most notably, the pursuit of a high‑value free‑agent quarterback—though no official signings have been announced as of the time of publication.

Conclusion

Bill Belichick’s record in the Tom Brady‑free era is a testament to his adaptability, meticulous game planning, and his unique ability to extract the maximum from his roster. While the offense has been inconsistent, the defense remains a perennial powerhouse, enabling the Patriots to remain competitive in the AFC. The article from Sporting News underscores that Belichick’s coaching record without Brady—36‑15 in the regular season and 4‑2 in the playoffs—sets a high bar for any head coach. As the Patriots enter the next chapter of their franchise story, Belichick’s legacy will continue to be shaped by his knack for turning around teams and creating a culture of resilience and excellence.