A franchise’s window of opportunity to be considered elite or a Super Bowl-contender usually spans about 4-5 seasons. That window can slide ever more open or shut depending on the coach’s continued evolution and creativity, the quarterback’s health and arm talent, and the management of the roster’s additional elite talent. The rare combination of factors that elevate a team to prominence in the league are fleeting, but that’s what it takes to be the best.
We’ve been fortunate to witness several decade-long dominance by several franchises recently. The New England Patriots are about to witness what it’s like to have the lights turned off on their historic run.