Final Thoughts...Moving On

Many saw/perhaps still see this as a year where the torch of the AFC East would be passed from the decade-long domination of New England to the Jets, who with their talented sophomore QB and RB and plethora of acquisitions, became reality TV stars (nice) and let the world know they were ready to take over.  What happened last night is obviously not a reflection of how good this Jets team is (although the coaching/playcalling was a bit of a head-scratcher), but should be terrifying for AFC East teams and Patriots haters alike.  The truth is that this team is currently at the top of the NFL in what was initially supposed to be a rebuilding season.  The NFL's youngest defense is starting to look more and more confident every week, and the scariest part is: there's more of them coming.  The Patriots currently have 6 picks in the first three rounds of the 2011 NFL draft and Belichick has proven to be more than effective at helping young players up their games very quickly.  Brady, Deion Branch, Wes Welker might all be aging, but lets look at the 2007 Patriots, easily one of the best teams in league history: Randy Moss, Richard Seymour, Tedy Bruschi, Mike Vrabel, Asante Samuel, Ellis Hobbs, Rodney Harrison. All great players, all gone.  Belichick's talent evaluation and success as essentially being the GM of the team has made the past few years a incredibly enjoyable to watch in what was really a transition between dynasties.  The 2nd on is starting now.  The NBA's Los Angeles Lakers are in the middle of their 2nd reign right now to many people's chagrin, and I have a feeling the Jets and all of the NFL are going to yearn for the past few seasons, when the Patriots only won 10-11 games a year, and left the door open for other teams in the division.  That door is now closing for years to come.

Go Pats!