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Belichick plans to coach Patriots next season following wild-card rout

Bryan M. Bennett / Getty Images Sport / Getty

New England Patriots fans don't have to worry about Bill Belichick leaving following the team's 47-17 wild-card loss to the Buffalo Bills on Saturday.

When asked if he wants to coach in 2022, Belichick, who's led the Pats for 22 seasons, responded, "I'd say that would be accurate," according to The Athletic's Matthew Fairburn.

But after the most lopsided playoff loss of the Belichick era, the legendary coach questioned whether it revealed what kind of team New England really is.

"Is that what we are or is that a bad night?" Belichick said. "We'll see when we start playing next year, I guess."

Regardless, Belichick believes the Patriots need to improve everything this offseason, from coaching to playing to adjustments, per Mark Daniels of the Providence Journal.

The Bills scored a touchdown on all seven of their offensive drives before kneeling to close out Saturday's victory. They're the first team in NFL history to never punt, commit a turnover, or kick a field goal in a contest, according to Andrew Callahan of the Boston Herald.

Additionally, Buffalo quarterback Josh Allen tormented the Patriots' defense, throwing for 308 yards and five touchdowns while adding 66 rushing yards.

"We just couldn't keep up with them tonight," Belichick said, per Fairburn.

He added: "They played well. We didn't. They deserved to win."

However, Belichick praised rookie Mac Jones for his efforts. The signal-caller threw for 232 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions in the loss.

"Mac helped us a lot," Belichick said, according to Daniels. "Look forward to working with him next year. There are things we have to work on. That goes for every player."

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