Bill Belichick said the New England Patriots are paying the price after the famed NFL franchise "sold out" and won three Super Bowl titles.

The Patriots have struggled since Tom Brady's departure for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the offseason, 2-5 in 2020 with Cam Newton under center following Sunday's 24-21 loss to the Buffalo Bills.

New England entered the season having won Super Bowls in 2014, 2016 and 2018, while they also featured in the 2017 showpiece.

As the Patriots try to arrest a four-game losing streak, head coach Belichick said New England's situation is a result of how they approached the previous five seasons.

"We sold out and won three Super Bowls, played in a fourth, and played in an AFC Championship Game," Belichick – a six-time Super Bowl-winning coach – told WEEI.

"This year we have less to work with. It's not an excuse. It's just the facts."

Patriots quarterback Newton fumbled late as it cost New England the chance at a game-tying field goal and possibly a chance to win away to the Bills on Sunday.

Bills defensive tackle Justin Zimmer stripped Newton of the ball with 31 seconds remaining.

While it was Newton's only turnover, it came after the former MVP threw three interceptions and was withdrawn in a blow-out loss to the San Francisco 49ers in Week 7.

Newton, who joined the Patriots on a one-year deal following his Carolina Panthers exit to replace legendary QB Brady, was 15-of-25 for 174 yards and no touchdowns, while he rushed for one TD in Buffalo.

The three-time Pro Bowler has tallied 103 completions from 156 attempts for 1,143 yards, two touchdowns and seven interceptions this season.

Belichick added: "I didn't say it as an excuse. I never said that. Look, we paid Cam Newton a million dollars [on July 8].

"It's obvious we didn't have any money. It's nobody's fault. That's what we did the last five years."