How many more seasons will the Patriots be a contender? [View all]
I realize I'm inviting bluedigger to chime in with "forever," but seriously?
I commend the organization for so many years of success. But Gronk seriously pondered retirement last season. He struggled with injuries this year. He's got a lot of miles on him.
Brady has now committed to play until he's Methuselah's equivalent in age. His stats were very good this season, but sub-par by Brady standards. I'll be damned if he and the Pats didn't find another gear in the playoffs today, as they usually seem to do, but Brady be 42 next season, which is ANCIENT in the NFL.
Edelman isn't who he used to be. The Josh Gordon experiment failed. Sony Michel has emerged as a capable running back, if his knee holds up. The defense was better than average for most of the season, but there are quite a few aging veterans there as well.
Belichick knows football, there's no denying it. But without his core, he can't work miracles.
So when do we see New England as a .500 team or worse? Next year? The season after that?