"Unmaking his GOAT case" - Bill Belichick getting exposed without Tom Brady, Skip Bayless claims

For decades, Bill Belichick and Tom Brady spurned debate among NFL fans and pundits as to what would happen if one separated the duo. Well, one's Super Bowl win and the other's one playoff appearance have set the score.

Speaking on Undisputed, Skip Bayless claimed the head coach was digging himself a hole the longer he goes without No. 12. Here's how he put it:

"In the big picture, Belichick is getting exposed without Brady. If you look at Cleveland and you look at [the recent Patriots], he is now 16 games under 500 in the regular season as a head football coach in the NFL. That's not genius level."

Will Bill Belichick reach another Super Bowl?

Bayless continued, lauding the coach but casting shade on his true talent in leading a franchise:

"I give him, as a defensive coordinator, he's right up there at the top. You could make a case that he's the best defensive mind in the history of the game. But as a head coach, I'm not so sure about it. And Brady made Belichick, and now there's no Brady. Belichick is slowly but surely unmaking his own GOAT case."

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Tom Brady enjoys retirement while Bill Belichick claws to maintain legacy

Bill Belichick at Cincinnati Bengals v New England Patriots

At this point, No. 12 has cemented his ability to win no matter the circumstances. Whether with Bill Belichick or without, he's found a way to get it done. Whether boasting one of the best receivers of all-time in Randy Moss or a rag tag team, he's found a way to dominate the history books.

Since retiring, the quarterback has been able to sit back and bask in his accomplishments while his former mentor has been essentially vilified at an increasing rate.

That said, as the one still in the trenches, the head coach will have the opportunity to drum up the last laugh. Will he turn the team around in 2023 or will he continue to fall into his former quarterback's shadow?