Stephen A. Smith has no time for Bill Belichick criticism.
Sure, Belichick made some questionable decisions this season, including a few during the New England Patriots’ AFC Championship Game loss to the Denver Broncos. The Patriots head coach is an NFL legend, however, and blaming him for New England’s downfall is ridiculous to Smith.
“The only people that were consistent fixtures (for the Patriots this season) were Bill Belichick and (quarterback) Tom Brady,” Smith told NESN.com’s Michaela Vernava on Tuesday on Radio Row. “When you consider that and the fact that they were in their fifth consecutive AFC Championship Game, what I would say to folks who are critics of Bill Belichick are two things: No. 1, shut the hell up. And No. 2, would you mind letting him go so he can come and coach some of the other teams?
“How about coaching the New York Jets? How about coaching the New York Giants? Why don’t you go ahead and let him go since you’re such sticklers for what he doesn’t do right. Bill Belichick does most things right.”
The Patriots were decimated by injuries throughout the season. Running backs Dion Lewis and LeGarrette Blount went down with season-ending injuries. The offensive line was banged up. Julian Edelman, Rob Gronkowski and Danny Amendola all missed time.
Belichick took some chances that didn’t pay off, but, as Smith suggests, it’s hard to be too critical of the longtime coach, especially since he’s already guided the organization to four Super Bowl titles.
“I think it’s an absolute joke that people don’t recognize the greatness of this man,” Smith said. “Most people do recognize it, but you do have some people that sit there and say that he’s a product of Tom Brady or whatever. Bill Belichick is a special coach. He’s a sensational coach. And as far as I’m concerned, he should have his job in the perpetuity. As long as he wants it, he should be the head coach for the New England Patriots because he clearly knows what he’s doing.”
Smith, an ESPN personality, is never one to shy away from voicing his opinion. His radio show — “The Stephen A. Smith Show” — can be heard every weekday at 1 p.m. ET on SiriusXM’s Mad Dog Sports Radio.
For NESN.com’s complete interview with Smith, be sure to visit NESN’s YouTube page.