Football giant staggers: The sporting decline of the Patriots
These days, the disparity between the New England Patriots' glorious past and dismal present is particularly evident.
Before the game against the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday (3.30 pm/RTL and DAZN), the so-called "Patriots House" in the heart of Frankfurt is a reminder of the great successes of the traditional club, for which Oliver Bierhoff (55) has also been working since October. For the first time in the club's history, the six Vince Lombardi trophies were shipped abroad. Numerous photos, shirts and banners on the walls bear witness to great victories - but they were all a long time ago.
Brady's departure leaves a big gap
Three and a half years after the departure of quarterback legend Tom Brady, everyday life looks very different. While Brady led the team from Foxborough to numerous successes and a total of six titles, the Patriots are now one of the worst football teams in the NFL with seven defeats from nine games this season.
In Germany, the series of bankruptcies is being taken in stride. Nothing should dampen the anticipation of the first game of the season in the Frankfurt stadium. "This is the most successful club of all time, there's no getting around it. There are six trophies. It's true that things aren't going so well this year. That's okay after 20 years. I'm sure we'll get back on track," said ex-professional Sebastian Vollmer. Even against the rather modest Colts, the Patriots are in the underdog role.
Head coach voices slogans of perseverance
The club is currently reminiscent of a sleeping giant that did not get its act together after Brady's departure. If the sporting slump continues, things are also likely to get tight for legendary coach Bill Belichick. When the 71-year-old coach was confronted with questions about his future at the beginning of this week, he responded very curtly - and rather meaninglessly.
Did he have a job guarantee for the rest of the season? His focus is now on the Colts game. Does he think he's already playing for his job against the Colts? "I will control what I can control and prepare our team for the Colts game," replied the six-time champion coach. Self-confidence sounds different. After Brady's departure in spring 2020, the next major pillar of the successful era could soon break away in Belichick.
The special significance of the visit to Germany
The sporting slump is unlikely to dampen the hype in Germany. Numerous fans wanted to visit the Patriots House, which was built in a hotel, around the game. Thousands of the club's supporters dressed in dark blue are likely to be in the stadium. "The Patriots are the most successful franchise of the past 20 years, naturally shaped by Belichick and Brady," said consultant Bierhoff. But yesterday's successes are not helping at the moment, as the former DFB official notes. "Now other teams are following suit. That's the exciting thing about US sport: there's always variety, it's a constant up and down."
A play-off appearance is no longer realistic for the German crowd-puller this season. But what will Belichick, who has coached the team since 2000 and enjoys legendary status at the club, do next? Ex-professional Vollmer has a clear opinion on this. "I believe that he is undisputedly one of the best coaches there has ever been in the league. That speaks for itself," said the former Patriots player. The game against the Colts may not have great sporting relevance, but it is an excellent opportunity for self-promotion in the growing German market.
Source: www.dpa.com
