Belichick still not a numbers guy: 'Analytics is not really my thing'
His colleagues across the NFL are diving into data more than ever, yet Bill Belichick revealed Friday that he still hasn't come around on analytics.
"Less than zero," the New England Patriots coach said when asked how often he consults such metrics, according to Mike Reiss of ESPN.
Belichick has spoken about his disdain for analytics in the past. In 2016, he said he'd never looked at them and had no interest in their conclusions.
Organizationally, the Patriots operate a bit differently than other teams, incorporating analytics to scout players, negotiate contracts, and build rosters. The head coach, though, said he doesn't consult the advanced data during games.
"I'm not saying it's a gut thing. It's an individual analysis based on the things that are pertinent to that game and that situation," Belichick said of his decision-making process. "I don't really care what happened in 1973 and what those teams did or didn't do. I don't really think that matters in this game - or '83 or '90, pick out whatever you want. It's not really my thing. And I like math, too, by the way."
As of Friday, Belichick was wrapping up preparations to face the Buffalo Bills, who feature somewhat of an ageless wonder in 36-year-old running back Frank Gore.
Belichick, who's led the Patriots to six Super Bowl championships, said he hasn't considered how advancements in data, science, and nutrition have helped certain players age more gracefully.
"It's a really good question," he said. "Personally, I just try to take everything based on what I see, and not try to maybe read too much into other numbers and so forth. As you know, analytics is not really my thing. I don't know if there's any set formula or model for what it is today or what it was some other year. I'm sure you could go to some analytics person and they'd be able to give you a great numerical answer on that."
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