The Patriots - and more specifically according to media reports - Bill Belichick has decided to stick with their current crop of QBs rather than import one of the others out there.  This begs the question: is this typical Belichick arrogance or brilliance?

The argument for arrogance begins and ends with the head coach himself.  His detractors routinely point out such decisions where as evidence where he believes that he alone knows best what to do for this team.  And this decision has some arrogance.  Importing a new QB means that the brain trust of the Pats was wrong in the first place - that by not having a veteran backup they have a weak spot on their team.  The refusal to shore up this weakness at the potential cost to the team therefore smacks of supreme arrogance.  Belichick believes that he can guide his team to victories regardless of who's playing quarterback.  He thought that in Cleveland, too.  Oh, by the way, without Tom Brady Belichick's head coaching record is 16 games under .500. 

It may also be brilliance.  By refusing to look for outside help, Belichick is signaling to his team that he believes in them.  He is signaling that their total team concept is back - that the only way this team will win is to stick together, stick to the plan, and do execute their roles within the scheme of the game plan.  This mentality is a big reason why New England won their first two Super Bowls under Belichick, and I guarantee that he's played that card this week.  And this refusal to import another QB is an unstated signal to his team:  "You are my team.  We will win with you."  It's got to be a good feeling for this football to know that the coach has complete trust in the current crop of players, and a testament to their ability that he refuses to alter the landscape of the team in the wake of Brady's injury.

So, brilliance, or arrogance?  In the end, a little of both.  Belichick is arrogant.  Both detractors and supporters admit this.  But then again, a man has to be a little arrogant to be the head coach of a professional football team.  It's just that his arrogance is rather out there - from the hoodie to the surliness in front of the media, Bill Belichick goes out of his way to ensure that everyone knows he is the man, he is the boss, he is the genius behind the Pats success.  And brilliance - no one doubts his ability to craft unbelievable game plans, and coaching his team to perfection within that game plan.  No one picks apart opposing offenses quite as good, and no one seems to be able to predict an offenses game-calling quite like Belichick. 

I think that any other NFL head coach - upon realizing that their star, starting quarterback is done for the season - would quickly get another QB just in case.  The fact that Belichick has not points to his arrogance - that he believes he can win with anyone, and not just Tom Brady - and brilliance - that importing another player could break the team chemistry that was forged during the preseason.  We won't be able to grade this Patriots season until the final snap has occurred for the 2008 season.  But right off the top, you've got to both admire and hate Bill Belichick.  The man takes risks.  Many of them pay off.  We'll just have to see if this one does or not.