So, objectively, what do you'll think Tom Brady does now? If he is going to come back, the Pats are going to have to pretty much rebuild their receiving corp and shore up a very shaky offensive line, AND get a running back with a little more downhill running chops than Sony Michel, AND try to figure out how to draft a tight end worth his salt. Brady is amazing, but he is amazing within the Patriots system which has always been able to protect him as well or better than other teams for the better part of 20 years. Running for his life is not an option so, given all of this, with that many things to fix on the team, probably a 2-3 year task, does he stay in New England or possibly trade to a team who already has all of these problems fixed and needs a QB to build upon? Do you live or die in Patriots blue regardless of the weaknesses of the team? As a lifelong Pats fan, I would love to see Brady come back, his longevity is impressive, but since he'll be 43 years old at the start of the season next year, is he up to being chased around the backfield if the Pats can't shore up the O-line? He's never been a running QB anyway, but even more so now he needs the time to get set, when you can't do that AND you have no receivers other than Edelman that you can count on every down, what do you do? I hope to see #12 in a Pats uniform next season and would love for the Pats to get all their weaknesses solved but it's a tall order to do in just one off season.
I think we're seeing a definite changing of the guard, but I'll tell you this, being a Pats fan all thru the 80's and 90's, it sure has been one helluva fun ride watching Brady set the bar then go beyond it. There's been controversy, there's been heartache and loss, but watching him progress from rookie, to starter, to seasoned veteran and then to legendary status has been a thrill for me, I'll freely admit. If it's the end of the Pats era, I'll always look upon the last couple of decades as spending them on the edge of my seat, sending texts to many of my friends who are Brady detractors as he overcame every obstacle thrown at him in countless games. I've especially enjoyed the last three seasons, as my wife is a huge Pittsburgh Steelers fan, but it's been wonderful watching games with her, just because she loves the game as much as I do. It's been one of the cornerstones of our banter back and forth that makes NFL football all that more fun to experience. I've convinced my 4 -year old stepson to yell 'GO PATS!!!" much to the chagrine of my better half, who, in turn, bought him a Steelers hoodie and other clothing that she makes sure he wears on game days...lol She can't stand the Patriots, she'll root for any team to beat them, so it's always a standing joke for us. As for myself, as I watched Brady walk off the field after the Titans game, dejected, disappointed, and probably pretty pissed off, I saw a legend trying to handle defeat the best he knows how, which is not very well. Say what you will, but Brady is a competitor, and keeps pushing himself to defy Father Time. And, if this was the last time we get to see him play in Foxborough as a New England Patriot, then I salute him for all he's accomplished and how high he and the Patriots have set the bar. I can't imagine him coming back to play in Gillette Stadium as the opposing QB, bu if that's the case, then I'll tip my hat to him and keep on cheering for the Pats. If it's the last time we get to see him play at all, then the NFL is a little less for it, because although there are several amazing quarterbacks playing the game right now, Brady was cause for all Patriots fans everywhere to take new pride in their team and come along for the ride as he, Belichick, and the Patriots built a new football dynasty. #12 has made football more exciting to watch and, imho, has earned his status as a legendary NFL football quarterback. I'll go ahead and put my shield over my head now to dodge the incoming barbs and arrows....lmao
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