Dynasty Done? : The Patriots Struggle

DYNASTY DONE? : THE PATRIOTS STRUGGLE

What do you think of when you hear New England Patriots? Tom Brady? Bill Belichick? Greatest dynasty ever? When you think of the Patriots one thing you do not think of is losers. However, going into week four the Patriots could come out with a 1-3 record. On Sunday 9/23, the Patriots lost their second straight game to the Detroit Lions and their record dropped to 1-2. They now sit two games behind the Miami Dolphins, who are 3-0, in the AFC East. Their next game is against the number one team in their division the Miami Dolphins.

Coming into the 2018-19 season when speaking of strength of schedule, the Patriots were considered to have one of the easier schedules. They were also considered one of the top teams and title contenders. So this begs the question, what is wrong with the Patriots?

One thing people have blamed for the team’s lack of success is absence of offensive weapons. The Patriots are often critiqued about lack of offensive weapons, but this issue was finally addressed when the patriots made the decision to trade for Josh Gordon. The Browns received a 5th round pick in exchange for Gordon and a 7th round pick if Gordon is not active for at least 10 games. The addition of Josh Gordon gives a much needed boost to the Patriots receiving core, and gives Brady a receiver that can do more than run slot routes. This trade gives Brady the ability to make big plays by taking more shots down the field. With this trade the Patriots hope to revitalize the offense and make another run in the playoffs.

Another reason that people have blamed for their failure is Tom Brady’s age. Fans have been questioning if age is affecting Brady and Belichick for years, but they have not showed any signs of age yet. Now with Belichick at age 66, and Brady at 41, the speculation of each retiring at the end of this season is high. Brady has been quoted as saying he wants to play till he’s 45 as long as he can compete at a high level. People also assume that Belichick will not retire before Brady. So the question now is has age finally caught up with the two. Everyone is wondering how long the Brady/Belichick dynasty can stand.

The last time patriots missed playoffs was in 2008.  Since that time they have won three super bowls. In 2015, the Patriots began the season with a record of 2-2. At the start of that season people began to question the dynasty’s ability to keep winning. After starting 2-2 the patriots went on to win ten out of their next eleven games, and Super Bowl 49. We all need a reality check because the season has just started. Brady is still an elite QB, Belichick is still an elite coach, and the Patriots should not be underestimated or overlooked. So what do you think. Will the Patriots make the playoffs. How big of an impact will Josh Gordon have for the Patriots? Is this the last year of the Brady Belichick dynasty?