The New England Patriots were crushed by the Ravens today, and I have come to the sad conclusion that Bill Belichick has lost his mojo.

I am not jumping to that conclusion--I believe it started 2 years ago.

It is easy to be an armchair shrink and analyze the man, so I will do just that. When Eric Mangini ratted out the signal video-taping to NFL, resulting in a huge personal fine for Belichick and a draft pick loss for the team, I think the great man went just a little nuts to show that he could still win. We saw the F U Touchdowns, but the Patriots will forever be the team that got so close to 19-0 but could not convert.

This year, Belichick traded Seymour for a draft pick 2 years in the future. The season opener was a big warning, but we were still "in Bill we trust" mode. We lost to New York and Denver, and then came the infamous 4th and 2. That loss against the Colts was a clear and present signal (regardless of what the statistical pundits say), and the number of points we gave up in the 4th quarter was a sure sign that this team, and this coach, will not reach the superbowl this year.

Don't get me wrong--Belichick is still a great coach and he will win more rings for New England. It is just that he needs to get his Mojo back.