Bill Belichick’s one warning to Patriots defense backfired as Tom Brady reveals why Michael Vick’s unexpected entry infuriated him
Tom Brady has shared an interesting story about Bill Belichick’s reaction to an incident during the New England Patriots’ 2001 game against the Atlanta Falcons. Speaking on the CardVault podcast, Brady recalled Belichick giving the Patriots defense a clear instruction before their November 4, 2001, meeting with Atlanta. The coach knew that Vick, who had been selected first overall in the 2001 NFL Draft, could create serious problems with his speed and ability to run with the ball.
Because he did not want rookie Michael Vick to enter the field, the former Patriots quarterback recalled how Belichick had warned his players not to take Chris Chandler out of the game.
However, things did not go according to the coach’s plan. Recalling Belichick’s response, he said, “Bill Belichick m*********** the defensive player for knocking Chris Chandler out of the game. New England recorded nine sacks against the two Atlanta quarterbacks, according to the official Patriots game recap.
Brady remembered Belichick telling his players, “Whatever you guys do in this game, do not knock Chandler out of the game and get Vick in the game. The warning was not without reason. Chandler was Atlanta’s starting quarterback, while Vick was still adjusting to life in the NFL. The Falcons were not planning to make the rookie their regular starter immediately, and keeping him out of the starting role allowed the team to bring him along gradually. However, New England’s defense had a different plan once the game began. The Patriots kept putting pressure on Chandler, and one of their defenders eventually got through to him. Brady did not forget what happened next. We did not want to see Michael Vick. Vick’s entry did not change the outcome. Chandler was sacked six times before leaving, while Vick went down three times after replacing him. For Belichick, the game was a reminder of how quickly an opponent’s plans could change. His team had prepared for Vick’s threat, but the coach had hoped Chandler would remain in the game.
Instead, the rookie entered much earlier than Atlanta had originally planned.