Bill Belichick was open to talking about the importance of the New England Patriots’ Week 16 matchup against the Buffalo Bills.

The stakes are obvious: If the Patriots win, they take the AFC East title. If they lose, they open themselves up to getting passed by the Bills. That’s why Belichick emphasized that this week is almost like a playoff game. The Patriots coach was also willing to discuss the talented defensive players, like cornerback Tre’Davious White. Belichick even waxed poetic about Bills offensive coordinator Brain Daboll’s use of tight ends.

But there were plenty of topics, which Belichick discretely ruled off-limits for the media members. Here’s our weekly look at what Belichick wouldn’t say ahead of the Patriots’ game against the Bills on Saturday.

1. Why is Tom Brady’s completion % (60.1) lower than it has ever been?

What he said: “Yeah, I think right now we’re really focused on the Buffalo game, and trying to get ready and play our best in this game. So, going back and analyzing stuff from other games, and a year and all that, it’s really not where we’re at. … We call passes to complete them.”

What we think he’s thinking: For the longest time, Brady has been able to elevate the play of his teammates. That’s clearly not happening this season. Belichick did his best to bring in players who could help elevate Brady’s play. The coach chased tight end Jared Cook during free agency. It’s likely Belichick tried to get Rob Gronkowski out of retirement. The Patriots also retained Josh Gordon (before releasing him) to give him another chance after his suspension at the end of 2018. And they signed Antonio Brown, whose reputation only worsened upon joining the Patriots when he faced allegations of rape and sexual assault. New England has tried to help Brady — and perhaps that’s because Belichick knew Brady, 42, would need help this season. His decline is more apparent than ever. The question is whether the run game, powered by Sony Michel and Rex Burkhead, can get going like it did at this time last year. Because, no, Brady’s completion percentage probably isn’t getting much better.