The New England Patriots came out Monday night revitalized and inspired.
Inspired by what exactly? Bill Belichick.
According to the Boston Herald, the taciturn head coach delivered a motivational pregame speech that can only be compared to Denzel Washington’s in Remember the Titans. OK, maybe Belichick’s pep talk wasn’t as dramatic, but it worked.
Belichick’s words imparted the following message: “No one else wants you on their team. You are losers. You are the underdogs, and you deserve it.”
The coach reportedly went around the room and pointed out each player’s deficiencies. No player was spared from the onslaught, not even kicker Stephen Gostkowski.
It clearly was effective as the Patriots pummelled the Dolphins 41-14.
Patriots players did not reveal exactly what the coach said, but they all hinted at it being inspirational, in true Belichick fashion.
“You didn’t walk out of there feeling great,” Alge Crumpler told the Herald. “This game had to happen when we walked out [of] that room. And we had the greatest team effort I’ve been part of in my 10-year career.”
Linebacker Jerod Mayo reiterated Belichick’s underdog notion.
“We had something to prove,” Mayo said. “Everybody doubted us, but we liked it. Keep doing it.”
Vince Wilfork decined to comment on the story, but summed it up perfectly, “Y’all have all the answers.”
The answer was an exciting Patriots victory on the national stage.
Belichick’s speech won’t be appearing in movies any time soon, but it’s effect will hopefully resonate in the Patriots locker room for the rest of the season.
