Why the New England Patriots “dynasty” is over

They:

1.    Haven't won a Super Bowl in 5 years (will be going on 6).

2.    No longer strike fear in other teams.

3.    Are aging.

4.    Can't illegally tape the other team anymore.

5.    Are splitting games with the Jets and Dolphins, where they used to

       sweep them.

6.    Didn’t sign any big name free agents this past offseason for the first

       time since 2000.

7.    Lost a lot of defensive veterans who were elite players.

8.    The Raiders are finally declining Patriots trade offers after the Pats

       ripped off the Raiders 12 times in the last several years.  Seriously.

       So, that well is running dry now.

9.    Plus, Bringing in players from the Raiders, signing older over-the-hill

       players and letting go of proven guys because you don’t want to

       pay them have come back to hurt the Patriots.

10.  They can't "outscore" opponents anymore and win (see the Colts

       game this past season as a great example - going for it on 4th from

       your own 28 because you're too afraid to play defense, hahaha). 

11.  They went 4-5 the rest of the season after that Colts game.

12.  Actually pulled Tom Brady from a game this season (Saints game).

       Funny though, how in 2007 Brady would still be in the game even

       though the Pats would be up 30/40 points with 5 minutes left.

13.  In many games the team just looked average, and as each game

       passes, Randy Moss looks more and more like a shadow of his

       former self.

14.  They have no running game to speak of, and although it showed

       up for a few weeks this season, they have not made any effort to

       establish it on a consistent basis.

15.  With Randy Moss’s inconsistent play, Wes Welker’s status

       uncertain, an average defense, and inconsistent offensive line

       play, the Patriots are on the decline.

16.  Brady (3 interceptions, 3 sacks, one costly fumble, fewer than

       160 yards passing) in their only playoff game this season. They

       lost, at home, 33-14. This isn't the Patriots dynasty team folks.

       This is a new team, declining.

17.  Make moves to let go good defensive players over the years

       (Asante Samuel, Richard Seymour, Mike Vrabel, etc.), have

       a weaker offensive line, a non-existent rushing attack in today’s

       game, and don’t forget the departure of great coordinators

       (Charlie Weis, Romeo Crennel, Josh McDaniels, etc.) in the

       past five years.

18.  Belichick's recent draft picks - Kevin O'connell - 3rd round 2008,

       Chad Jackson - 2nd round 2006, Laurence Maroney - 1st round

       2006.  That's right, his guys, not Scott Pioli's.  And when one of

       Belichick’s picks ends up being great (Asante Samuel - 4th round,

       2003) they end up letting that player go!

19.  Will be restricted financially in 2010 when there will be no salary

       cap.  Wealthy teams will get the advantage (see Major League

       Baseball as a current example).

20.  Will be hurt (financial, personnel - players getting older, etc.) by

       the looming 2011 lockout.