New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft has expressed his belief that this season could be Bill Belichick's best in charge of the team.
Belichick is currently in his 14th year with the Patriots, during which time he has guided them to five Super Bowls, winning three and being named Coach of the Year on three occasions.
His side are on the verge of reaching the showpiece event yet again this season, with the Denver Broncos awaiting them in Sunday's AFC championship game, and Kraft believes that the injuries Belichick has been forced to overcome could make this his most impressive campaign yet.
"This is his 14th season with us but I really think this might be his most outstanding coaching job. The way these guys have stepped up, 'Next man up' so to speak, has just been unbelievable," Kraft told ESPN.
"Of course, having [Tom] Brady at the helm - you think about it, your quarterback touches the ball usually 70 times in the course of a game; low 70s, high 60s. So you need someone with good judgment in that position who also understands how to manage the clock, what's going on, and how to adapt.
"So we're lucky to have that position filled at such a high level. And I think we're lucky to have a coach that understands the game and pays attention to detail, and also adapts to whatever the situation [may be]."
The Patriots go into Sunday's match against the Broncos as underdogs following Denver's record-breaking season on offence.
Barney Corkhill
