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.
Between Malcolm No and TB12, some fans have already grown a bit weary of both Belichick and Brady in places. Plenty feel BB still owes them an explanation on SB52. Others think Brady’s sad devotion to a new-age religion will tear the 2018 Pats apart.
The reports through the offseason of internal discord during the 2017 season, also highlighted by Brady himself in his revealing Facebook show, have been more than enough fuel for those desperate to know how the Patriots dynasty ends and, most of all, construct the most elaborate headstone they can muster.
The impending dominant regular season is an afterthought right now.
12-4, AFC East, AFC Championship, potentially play in a third-straight Super Bowl? Yawn, a growing number are not only ready for the end of this Patriots shit but actively rooting it on, and in some cases trying to fuel it. It shouldn’t be surprising, but it sure is hard to silence.
Me? I’m just going to do my best to enjoy the final seasons of this special coach-quarterback combo and ignore the noise made by those more excited to watch it all burn to the ground.
Brady, Belichick and the Patriots will be focused on football, getting ring #6 and that’s what I plan to do too. There will be plenty of time to be miserable and angry once they’re gone.
My thoughts exactly Mike, enjoy the ride while it lasts.