An Independent Patriots Blog
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CC1clbWAF88
Another day of actual football to talk about! There will only be one more before we start the long void until training camp, which means it’s time to way overanalyze everything that has been going on at Patriots minicamp.
Here are some tweets that stood out to me with commentary.
[Read more…] about Tweets of Note from Patriots Minicamp Practice #2
It’s hard to remember a time when Tom Brady wasn’t the quarterback of the New England Patriots. The ride for any fan who suffered through the disappointments of the team’s first 40 years has been, in the words of FOPP’er Jerry Thornton, “From Darkness to Dynasty.”
It was, of course, great to see Brady back on the field on Tuesday. The snarky “he’s present” takes all over the place were obvious, but any time I see 12 on the field my heart flutters, and it was a nice reminder that the ride ain’t over yet.
Never before has a football fanbase enjoyed this kind of long-term success and it’s been fascinating to watch how opinions of the team, nationally and locally, have evolved, especially toward the be-hoodied coach and wonderboy quarterback who have been most successful at the start and end of their storied run.
From the patriotic darling underdogs of 2001 to the despised undefeated regular season 2007. The “dying dynasty” of 2008-2013, to legend-cementing wins in Super Bowls 49 and 51. What a long strange trip of football domination it’s been.
For 16 seasons it was in Bill and Tom We Trust, but after falling just short in Super Bowl 52, the cracks internally and externally are becoming the driving narratives behind this team. Personally, I have no doubt at this point Brady and Belichick have an understanding and will be able to join forces until the end like they’ve done for so long.
This is the end game Brady. He’s not the same “first in, last out” kid. He’s the GOAT and that’s enough to not have to be the “first in, last out” vet. Belichick knows that, and really there’s some good football sense to giving Brady some extra time to himself and his family. Keeping him fresh physically and mentally at this stage makes more sense than him being present for the teaching period of OTAs.
But expect the media to ride out any potential divisions until the very end.
[Read more…] about Stop Worrying and Enjoy the End of Belichick/Brady