Mark Knudson’s Three Strikes Blog: Strike Three
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STRIKE THREE: We’ve all had just about enough of the New England Patriots…am I right? I don’t need to watch Tom Brady play even one more snap. Had enough. Turn the page. I’m done.
With that, I’m calling my shot: Win or lose on Super Bowl Sunday, this is the end of the New England Patriots dynasty.
It’s hard to argue with the fact that the Pats 18-year run has been the greatest dynasty in NFL history. The Don Shula Dolphins, the Chuck Noll Steelers, the Bill Walsh 49’ers and the Jimmy Johnson Cowboys were all tremendous – as were the Mike Shanahan Broncos. But none of those dynasties a) had the shelf life of these Pats, and b) had to function in a Salary Cap era. Think about it. All those other units, save for the Broncos (who were fined heavily for circumventing the cap in the very early days of the rule) could pay whatever they wanted to keep their teams intact.
The Patriots have had to juggle their roster almost every year. The ONLY constants throughout this run have been a) Bill Belichick b) Brady and c) a soft AFC Eastern Division. Make no mistake – Belichick and Brady are the best ever at what they do, but the cushy soft AFC East has played a big role, too. No way New England wins all those division titles in a row if they are in the same division with the Steelers or the Broncos, for instance.
But it is what it is…and it’s coming to a close.
Do not be shocked if New England does not make the play-offs next season.
Crazy you say? Perhaps. I made the same (premature) prediction two years ago after Brady stunk up Super Bowl LI against Atlanta for the first 2/3 of the game, before rallying himself and his team to their fifth Lombardi Trophy. Then to make my prediction worse, they won the AFC again last season.
But next year will be different, mark my words. These are not – regardless of whether or not they defeat the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday – the same juggernaut Pats. They’re getting by on exceptional coaching (their varied game plans – pass on every play one week, run the ball most of the game another week – are outstanding) and great execution from the 40+ year old Brady. It’s worked again this year.
Next year, the Buffalo Bills will win the AFC East. Buffalo will finally reap the benefits of several years of high draft picks, including a young quarterback in Josh Allen who is coming into his own. The Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts and Kansas City Chiefs are all led by young franchise quarterbacks eager to take the mantle from old man Brady. The Pittsburgh Steelers are always going to be in contention, and the Baltimore Ravens and yes, the Cleveland Browns have to be reckoned with. And the quality of coaching continues to improve in most places.
It’s not fair to expect much from the New York Jets or the Miami Dolphins with new coaches next season, but Buffalo is primed and ready to take the AFC East. Getting a wild card spot won’t be easy for New England.
Says here they won’t make it.
And all of the football world will rejoice. The King – and the greatest dynasty in NFL history – will finally be dead.
Maybe.
Have a comment or counter argument? Fire back at me on Twitter @MarkKnudson41.
