New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick lingered on Lambeau Field after Sunday’s game, just like he’s probably lingering outside a teenage girl’s bedroom window right now.
Look at that guy. If anyone is handing out free candy from a windowless van, it’s Bill Belichick. That’s not the point here, though.
A number of people have pointed out how Belichick hung around the field for an extra long time to congratulate both Green Bay Packers coach Mike McCarthy and quarterback Aaron Rodgers on their win, Sunday.
This is notable only because usually Belichick gives a half-hearted handshake and then storms off the field as quickly as possible, especially when he loses.
Because he doesn’t care what you think.
But there he was on Sunday, presumably telling McCarthy and Rodgers how great they were after the game. McCarthy was asked about the conversation, but didn’t get too detailed.
“He was very gracious, and that’s about as far as I’ll go,” McCarthy said. “He has set the standard for an NFL head coach, definitely in my time in the league. It’s awesome to go up and compete against his team and no one does it better than what he’s done.”
While all of that’s swell for McCarthy and Rodgers, what should be looked at here is the ulterior motive.
Yes, we’re sure Belichick has respect for the guys who beat his team. We’re also sure there was a reason other than that for buttering those guys up.
There’s a real chance the Packers and the Patriots could meet again in the Super Bowl. Belichick is aware of this. Try to get the other guys to believe their own hype and you’ve created a psychological advantage.