Fin.

Sure, Tom Brady and Co. will most likely hold on to win the pitiful AFC East, but yesterday's loss, the team's third in four weeks, pretty much put to rest our weeks-long debate. The Pats, as presently constructed, ain't very good. 

The slide toward mediocrity continues. Next stop: irrelevancy.   

BEN:

No surprise, but I've gotta disagree with you here. I think the conversation over the last two weeks has been more about your perceptions of the meaning of the New England Patriots' role in the NFL than any substantive discussion about how good this year's team actually is. They looked very good a few weeks ago and are having a bad stretch. Is there more to say about it than that? Yes, maybe. They failed some big tests, and have repeatedly created the impression of not being closers this year. That's new. Probably not going to return to 2007 form any time this year or next.

They were mediocre yesterday--that's certainly the word. Key turnovers, too many penalties, letting themselves get beat by an inferior team. But it's odd to me how thoroughly you're willing to presume that the team is going to self-destruct. (The only evidence you've cited for this idea, so far, is the 2005-08 Yankees, an odd comparison for numerous reasons). I mean, really, this "mighty have fallen" stuff is not meaningless, but it only goes so far. Here's a question for you: what part of this team is *actually* on the downward slide?

Brady and co. have not willed their way to victory this year. I've spotted some bad decisions along the way, and, if I'm being honest, I don't think they're likely to get it done in the playoffs. Is this because he no longer has the ability to play football? I seriously doubt it. His numbers, despite the 4 INTs in the last two weeks, have been outstanding this year. Welker--who is 28 years old and entering his prime--looks likely to lead the NFL in both receptions and yards, despite playing only 14 games. (Welker is technically 2nd in the league in yards, behind Randy Moss.) Brady has an expiration date, sure, but there's no reason to think he's not going to be excellent for several more years. Ditto for Moss, who has been surprisingly quiet about having an extremely productive year.

The defense has been completely rebuilt. They're not winning enough of their key battles, but almost every key player involved in it, save maybe Adalius Thomas, should improve next year. Mayo, Guyton, Merriweather, McGowan, Butler, Chung, Wilfork--all should improve next year, and look like long-term keepers. Bodden, Warren, Green, and Banta-Cain are a bit older, but have plenty of productivity ahead of them. They need another pass-rusher--Adalius Thomas and Derrick Burgess aren't enough--but that's easily addressed in the draft. The team also needs another running back to supplement Maroney (who I think has improved this year), but again, is that why you think this team is going to be irrelevant?

I haven't given up on 2009, either. They may not win the Super Bowl--or even a playoff game. But they've got a lot of talent and a favorable December schedule, a great quarterback and a smart coach. At the beginning of this season, the Steelers were the odds-on favorite to win it all. This time last year, the Cardinals looked like the worst team in the playoffs. Six weeks ago, the Titans were utterly helpless. I'm just saying--in the NFL, you never know.

Clever title, though--I'll give you that.