FOXBORO, Mass. — Sometimes you know Bill Belichick’s answer before even asking the question. And even when you warn the New England Patriots coach what answer probably will come out of his mouth, it still does.
That was the case Friday, when I asked Belichick about Patriots quarterback Tom Brady’s status for Sunday’s game against the New York Jets. Brady missed Wednesday and Thursday’s practices with a knee injury. Brady reportedly “should be fine” to play in Week 12, but it’s more valuable to hear that information from the coach, himself.
Here was the exchange with Belichick on Sunday morning.
Q: Bill, I think I probably know what the answer to this question is, but …
BB: Why are we going to ask it then?
Q: We kind of have to, Bill. It’s our job. Tom, do you expect him to play this weekend?
BB: We’ll list Tom on the injury report as we always do. Like we do with everybody else.
Q: I asked then.
BB: Good. Was that the answer you were hoping for?
Q: Not hoping for but expecting.
BB: Yeah. I didn’t want to disappoint you.
Belichick had a smile on his face for the exchange. But even when he’s in a good mood the day after Thanksgiving, he’s a tough egg to crack.
Thumbnail photo via Kelley L Cox/USA TODAY Sports Images
