1. You just said you don't claim it is not easy to get a Franchise QB, then turn around and make it sound easy to find a Franchise QB vs putting together a great defense. Which is it? (If you get to #5, it will give you a clue)
2. It really determines your definition of elite is. Was the Cowboys defense "elite" in 2018 (regular season)? If so, the Patriots were exactly as good in scoring defense, and they were better in the playoffs. In fact, while Brady gets most of the praise of the Patriots Dynasty, the defense has more than done it's part to stop elite offense and/or secure Super Bowl wins. Unless they play the NFC East, of course.
3. Didn't know I was quoting Stephen Jones, just going off what I see happen in the league EVERY year. If you can't / refuse to see it, that's not my problem.
4. Again, just because something hasn't happened does not mean it does not. Take out Tom Brady from the history books, you know, a 6th Round QB, I wonder if a Elite RB or WR wins a Super Bowl then?
5. The Patriots rarely spend any big money on Defense, yet they are have been OUTSIDE the Top-10 in scoring defense just once since 2006 (1 in 13 years, 2011 ranked 15th). That is despite letting go or trading away guys like:
- Matt Vrabel
- Malcom Butler
- Jamie Collins
- Chandler Jones
- Richard Seymour
- Aqib Talib
You say it is harder to keep an "elite defense" together, yet the Patriots, with loss of Pro-Bowlers and All-Pros every other year, are one of the best defenses year after year after year.
On the other side, you have teams that have fell for the Patriots "can't miss" backups by giving up big money, and premium picks, for QBs not even as successful as Dak.
But that again takes me back to what I have been saying all along ............... Coaching, it's one hell of an advantage.