Patriots' "State Of The Union"

[Verdict]

Before the Patriots lost to the Giants I wondered how long it would be before the Patriots began to lose ground to the rest of the league. Many of the Patriots' core players are getting up in years and/or will become free agents. It is likely that the Patriots will lose Samuel and Randy Moss. Both are game changing players.

I realize that anytime you have a franchise QB, like Brady, that you always have a chance, but they have had awesome depth for a long time. The salary cap should start pinching them a little more. I also wonder if the SuperBowl hangover will hit them the way it has hit other teams the year after a loss.

 

[Hoov]

Their defense has a lot of good but aging players.

 

[Mavs Man]

I wonder if the Patriots will continue the recent trend of Super Bowl losers?

2006 - (13-3) Chicago Bears, 7-9, last in NFC North
2005 - (13-3) Seattle Seahawks, 9-7, won NFC West, lost in divisional round
2004 - (13-3) Philadelphia Eagles, 6-10, last in NFC East
2003 - (11-5) Carolina Panthers, 7-9, 3rd in NFC South
2002 - (11-5) Oakland Raiders, 4-12, 3rd in AFC West
2001 - (13-3) St. Louis Rams, 7-9, 3rd in NFC West

This is a special case scenario. They just went 16-0 and have nothing to show for it. Would that motivate you to go out and win a bunch of games next year? If SpyGate II blows up, will Belichick even be back? Lots of questions at this point.

 

[Aikbach]

New England's dynasty was vanquished last night, they may win the pathetic AFC East for another year but they will be wildcard host next season and out of playoff contention by 2009.

The mystique is over, the age is piling on, the freeagents are leaving, the integrity is in question, the grudge they've amassed from arrogant sportsmanship has only begun to come full circle, 2008 will be nothing but heartache in Boston.

 

[theebs]

wow one team beats them and of all of a sudden they can barely win the afc east next year? Seriously?

Geez. I am glad they are not on our schedule next year.

 

[Nors]

This is akin to what happened to The 2001 Rams.
Patriot Reign is now officially over.

 

[Big Dakota]

I think the Pats will be serious contenders next year, IF Belicheat survives "Spygate 2". I also think there's no way in heck Moss goes elsewhere. I could see them at 10-6 or 11-5, but they'll be contenders come PO time.

 

[windward]

This is akin to what happened to The 2001 Rams.
Patriot Reign is now officially over.

2007 New England Patriots= New York Yankees circa 1963/64

 

[windward]

I think the Pats will be serious contenders next year, IF Belicheat survives "Spygate 2". I also think there's no way in heck Moss goes elsewhere. I could see them at 10-6 or 11-5, but they'll be contenders come PO time.

Oh, they'll be contenders but I see them falling behind San Diego, Indianapolis and Jacksonville next year.

 

[CF74]

Age is creeping up on many of their key players, maybe 1 more year then the decline begins...