Brandt: Belichick 'is so ahead of every coach' in the NFL

New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick has his team at 2-1. David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

Hall of Famer Gil Brandt: Bill Belichick 'is so ahead of every coach' in the NFL

By Erin Walsh | Last updated 9/28/20

Before the season began, many thought the New England Patriots didn't have a shot to win the AFC East. With eight opt-outs and Tom Brady gone, it seemed inevitable that the Patriots would hand over the division crown. Then the Pats signed Cam Newton, and the vibe around Foxboro changed.

Gil Brandt, former vice president of player personnel for the Dallas Cowboys, has been especially impressed with Bill Belichick, acknowledging that the longtime Patriots head coach is a wizard of sorts for how he's helped the team reach a 2-1 record despite the odds.

Belichick is so ahead of every coach in the league it's ridiculous. Tell me what coach can do what he's done this year. Loses Brady. Eight players opt out. Brings in new QB. Changes offense. Keeps winning. Unbelievable.
— Gil Brandt (@Gil_Brandt) September 28, 2020

Signing Newton for just $1.05 million of base salary makes the Patriots brass look legendary. Through three games this season, the former MVP has completed 68.1% of his passes for 714 yards and two touchdowns against two interceptions. He's also added 149 yards and four touchdowns rushing.

While the Buffalo Bills currently lead the AFC East with a 3-0 record, they've arguably had a less difficult schedule than New England thus far. The Bills have played the New York Jets, Miami Dolphins and the Los Angeles Rams. Meanwhile, the Patriots started the season against the Dolphins, but the past two weeks have certainly been a challenge against the 3-0 Seattle Seahawks and 2-1 Las Vegas Raiders.

The Bills and Patriots won't meet until Nov. 1, so there's plenty of time for the two sides to iron out any struggles they've experienced in the first three weeks of the season. If Newton plays like he has, it'll only make Belichick look like even more of a genius.

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