In the middle of last season, Alex Guerrero’s access to the Patriots’ facilities, players, and activities was severed. If players were going to go to Guerrero for treatment, it had to be on their own time and at the TB12 clinic at Patriot Place. Cracks were beginning to form in the NFL’s most recent dynasty. Walls were collapsing, and the end of the New England reign seemed to be in sight. That all changed, as Alex Guerrero was on the team flight to Carolina for a preseason game last week. Now, the end may not be so near, as it seems the Patriots may be back on track.
Brady & Guerrero
When Tom Brady and Alex Guerrero met, Brady started performing better on the field. Introducing pliability and superb nutritional standards, the aging quarterback began outperforming his younger counterparts across the league. He’s even outplaying himself in his prime, a time when he had Randy Moss to throw to for a season.
While Guerrero was surrounded by controversy in his career, Brady has chosen to repeatedly stand by his trainer. This loyalty shows everyone just how important Guerrero is to him. Guerrero’s access to Brady and team travel could be paramount in restoring the working relationship between Brady and Bill Belichick.
Belichick’s Final Say
Last season, tension seemed to rise after Jimmy Garoppolo was traded, and Belichick all but banished Alex Guerrero. This is not entirely without reason, as players would allegedly argue against rehab/workouts that Patriots training staff would prescribe them because Guerrero said no. To put an end to the seemingly forming power struggle, Belichick cut off Guerrero’s access to team facilities, travel, and the sideline.
There’s no way that Guerrero was on a team flight last week without Bill’s approval. This approval could stem from a mutual understanding that if Brady is happy, he’ll play better and play longer. It’s very likely that there are firmly established rules around what Guerrero has access to and what he can tell players that seek treatment with him.
It seems that turmoil in Foxborough could be coming to an end. With the season just over a week away, fans can only hope personal feelings have been set aside. It’s time for players and coaches to do their jobs.
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