After an impressive sixth Super Bowl title for Tom Brady and Bill Belichick, how much longer can the New England Patriots’ reign of dominance last? Despite experts thinking the team has been on a downfall for the last few seasons, the Patriots have been able to capture two of the last three Lombardi Trophies. Much of the recent success and the extended dominance over the last two decades have come because of the brilliant quarterback play of Brady and the incredible coaching mind of Belichick, but with the two men both the oldest at their profession to win a Super Bowl, the end has to be coming around soon.
Before turning 40 years old a few seasons ago, Tom Brady declared that he would like to play professional football until he is 45, and even just as recently as last month has said that he would like to stick with that promise. If that plan comes to fruition, which it looks like it might, it will give Brady another four years in the NFL and a very good chance to expand upon his current collection of Super Bowl rings.
As long as his star quarterback is playing well, it is tough to envision Bill Belichick going anywhere as well. The coach who will be 67 going into next season doesn’t seem to be slowing down either and looks to be getting better with age. Even if Belichick chooses to leave the NFL when Brady does in another four years, he’ll be getting out when he is 70, a time when many head coaches choose to walk away from the game or take a lesser role on a team a coordinator. Despite father time never failing, barring any injury it looks like Belichick will be coaching the Patriots with Brady under center for another four years, which will most likely be the maximum amount of time left for the duo.
The other things to look at will be the cast surrounding Brady on the field. Many of the offensive stars that the veteran quarterback has learned to trust aren’t getting any younger and skill position players, unfortunately, don’t last as long as signal callers. With Super Bowl MVP Julian Edelman set to turn 33 going into next season and missing 29 games over the last five years it’s fair to wonder how much longer he’ll be Brady’s top option. Another loss that could come as early as this offseason would be the departure of tight end Rob Gronkowski. The star receiver considered retirement last offseason, and after a sub-par regular season in 2018, it’s fair to wonder if he’ll be done after winning yet another Super Bowl. It doesn’t look like a given that these two stars will last the next four years with the Brady/Belichick tandem, but there is still hope for the organization.
In an effort to protect Brady, New England had a very effective run game this season finishing with the fifth most rushing yards and fourth most rushing touchdowns by any team in 2018. The three-headed-monster of rookie workhorse Sony Michel, change-of-pace running back Rex Burkhead, and passing down specialist James White are a group that could stick around in New England for a while giving Belichick plenty of options to work with in the offense.
Despite having older offensive stars and a sixth Super Bowl title in the 21st Century, the Patriots have plenty of resources to bring in new talent. Most heavily competitive teams lack draft capital because they tend to trade away future investments for current stars, but New England will have a nice couple of draft days come April. Belichick has been given seven draft picks to work with in 2019 including three in the first two rounds. The future looks bright for New England to keep developing homegrown talent in a Bill Belichick system.
While many football fans don’t want to hear it, the Patriots continuing their success for possibly the next four years seems like a real possibility. Nothing is a given especially with father time out to get Tom Brady, but between a new focus on the run game and a plethora of draft capital, the Patriots are in a good position for the future. Expect Brady and Belichick to make a run at their seventh Super Bowl title and more over the next four years.
