Bill Parcells: Patriots drama will mean ‘nothing’ when season starts

Bill Parcells is a Hall of Fame coach who has dealt with just about every issue a football team can possibly run into, and he does not envision the one in New England being any type of factor whatsoever in 2018.

In a lengthy interview with Gary Meyers of The Athletic, Parcells was asked about the drama that has built up between his former understudy, Bill Belichick, and some of his key players — most notably Tom Brady. Parcells emphatically stated that all the reports and rumors will mean “nothing” when the ball is kicked off in Week 1.

“I don’t pay any attention to that. Nobody knows what’s what exactly. You are just hearing gossip and conjecture and opinion. I don’t put much stock in that,” the 76-year-old said. “Having been in a position myself as a head coach, a lot of things are said about an organization, the coaching staff and the owner. Some of the things are just flat out not true. Yet they get out and they get publicized because they make good headlines. The only thing you got to do is watch the product on the field. When the season starts, all this offseason stuff, it doesn’t mean anything. Nothing.”

With speculation having swirled that Brady and Rob Gronkowski were considering retirement (both have committed to playing next season), some have wondered if the Patriots’ dynasty officially crumbled with a heartbreaking loss in the Super Bowl. Parcells cautions that any NFL player who thinks that could be making a mistake.

“I wouldn’t underestimate them,” he said. “Their track record is illustrious. You know, all things come to an end. We all know that. New England had quite a few players last year that couldn’t play defensively because of injuries. Some of them are coming back. Defense was one of their Achilles’ heels. If they can improve there, we know they are going to have the firepower. They have a prolific passer. They have Edelman coming back, Gronkowski is a target. They have some runners. Their back is a very, very good pass receiver. They got that young back from Georgia, who looks like he can score touchdowns if he gets a step or so.

“I don’t see anybody right now in their division that I would say has the upper hand on them, that’s for sure. If you can win your division, you are a long way down the road to doing something.”

Brady recently said he still plans to play multiple more seasons, and the issues with Gronkowski could be worked out with a new contract. There is definitely some lingering frustration over the mind-boggling decision Belichick made in the Super Bowl, but no team has been better at focusing on winning through the years than the Patriots. Parcells obviously anticipates that being the case again this upcoming season.