What Bill Belichick wouldn’t say amid playoff preparations for Titans

“Yeah, we’re focused on the Titans.”

Bill Belichick was as effusive with praise as ever about the Tennessee Titans during his press conferences this week. The New England Patriots coach pointed out every one of the Titans’ redeeming qualities — and there are many. Tennessee is on a hot streak under the leadership of quarterback Ryan Tannehill.

Don’t laugh.

Tannehill has the No. 1 passer rating and the highest yards per attempt in the NFL since Week 7. With help from receivers A.J. Brown and Corey Davis, Tannehill’s offense has been extremely impressive.

“Honestly, they’re not in the red area that much,” Belichick said. “They score from way out a lot. But when they do get into the red area, they’re good.”

It was an easy week for Belichick to dwell upon his upcoming opponent. That’s surely where his mind was genuinely fixed. But there were a few topics this week — just like every week — which were a no-fly zone for Belichick. Here’s a look at the questions he wouldn’t answer.

1. Is it strange that it’s possible you’re coaching your final game with Tom Brady?

What he said: “Yeah, we’re focused on the Titans. That’s all I’m focused on, so we’ll do everything we can to get ready to go and play the best game we can play Saturday night.”

What we think he’s thinking: Belichick made a rare display of verbal affection for his quarterback on NFL100. Brady and Belichick seem to have gone through at least one rough patch in their 20-year relationship, but Belichick is still the same man who laughed in the face of 49ers general manager John Lynch when he called to trade for Brady in 2017. Belichick appreciates Brady — he’ll show appreciation for Brady when the moment is right. Clearly, this moment was not the right time. Belichick is thinking about the Titans — and he’ll attempt to untangle the complicated contract negotiations with Brady when the season ends. And he’ll get nostalgic only when and if it’s clear Brady is leaving.

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