The quickest way to jeopardize your job security with the Patriots could be to get into a public screaming match with Bill Belichick. Openly jawing at franchise quarterback Tom Brady can't be far behind.
Apparently, offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach Bill O'Brien didn't receive the memo.
On NFL Network
"NFL Replay" will re-air
the Patriots' 34-27 win over the Redskins on Tuesday, Dec. 13 at 8 p.m. ET.
After Brady threw a fourth-quarter interception during Sunday's game against the Redskins, the QB had it out with O'Brien on the Patriots' sideline in a scene captured by CBS cameras. O'Brien appeared to be the aggressor, coming back at the seated Brady after initially being separated. Only when Belichick came over did O'Brien back off.
Looking closely at the video, it appears Brady told intended receiver Tiquan Underwood "you got to go get it," in reference to the pass that was picked off by Josh Wilson. O'Brien then interjected himself into the conversation, with civility quickly unraveling from there.
The strife was only temporary. Moments after the interaction, Brady and O'Brien were seen sitting together looking over plays. After the Patriots finished off a 34-27 win, Brady took ownership for the whole soap opera.
"I threw a pretty bad interception, so he wasn't happy about it," Brady said, according to The Associated Press. "And there was probably a long line of coaches and players that were pretty (upset) at me after that, but Billy got to me first. He let me have it; I deserved it.
"We're both pretty emotional guys."
Good for Brady, who certainly has the sway to bury his no-name coach if he were a more vindictive soul. As for O'Brien, he's already reached his quota for telling off future Hall of Famers. Proceed with extreme caution.