Behind Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers, the Patriots and Packers can tie the NFL record for consecutive postseasons with nine. What usually keeps a great quarterback out of the playoffs? Has the NFL made it easier for the best to keep making the tournament?
A decade ago, the 2007 New England Patriots marched through a 16-0 regular season, falling one drive short of a perfect 19-0 season. The only remaining links from that 2007 team are head coach Bill Belichick, quarterback Tom Brady, and kicker Stephen Gostkowski. However, with the 2017 NFL season approaching, there have been predictions that the Patriots are primed for perfection again.