The end of the Patriots dynasty has been declared a number of times over the past five seasons. That was wishful thinking — the Patriots kept rolling, overcoming personnel changes, injuries and big deficits in playoff games.
This season feels different. This does feel like the end. I’d have written this even if they won the Super Bowl Sunday night. The Patriots already are the favorite to win the Super Bowl next year, but that’s based mostly on their history.
The future may still be bright for the Patriots, but this is the last time the Bill Belichick/Tom Brady Patriots will be in the Super Bowl.