Bill Belichick says Patriots planned Jason Kelce's retirement

Great clip here, some good inside information on how the Patriots studied Jason Kelce when game planning on defense:

“I wish you had retired 5 years ago.”

“You too, coach.”

Bill Belichick says the game planning around Jason Kelce drove him crazy 😤 pic.twitter.com/84s4GpqFPh

— Underdog Fantasy (@UnderdogFantasy) 6 September 2024

“I don't want him to lead anyone outside the numbers.”

That's pretty cool because, as Belichick mentions, you usually plan for players with special skills like receivers, running backs and tight ends. Of course, you try to limit a quarterback, but nobody plans for a center. It confirms what most Eagles fans would say is Kelce's best skill – the ability to pull quickly and get to the next level and take down linebackers and safeties. He's always been a good anchor, recognizing defenses and calling coverages, and of course blocking well enough in pass defense, but the Jason Kelce highlight video starts and ends with plays like these:

🧵 pic.twitter.com/eh9eqEdL4N

— The Last Fullback (@TheLastFullback) January 24, 2024

Here's a longer clip of the discussion from Belichick's new show.