Everyone is waiting for the end because, really, that's the only thing left for the partnership of Bill Belichick and Tom Brady.
Six titles are unrivaled as far as one coach and one quarterback go. The Steelers have six as well, but it took three coaches and two different quarterbacks to accomplish what Belichick and Brady have in one very long run of unmatched success.
I'm sure Brady would love to pass Michael Jordan with a seventh title, and Belichick would likely enjoy passing George Halas and Curly Lambeau with his seventh. But, considering their sport and how level the playing field is, they've already surpassed those legends.
So the only question is, how does this end?
There's no question that Saturday's game against the Bills looms large. There's virtually no chance the Patriots lose the division — they would have to also fall to the Dolphins in the season finale — but a loss will likely mean the Patriots will be playing on wild-card weekend. More than ever, whether it's Brady's elbow, Julian Edelman's knee or whatever has been going on with Shaq Mason, the Patriots need the rest and quicker path — not to mention home-field — in order to make the Super Bowl.
But, we've been here before with this group.
Like last season.
Sure, you and even I can point out the fact that there's no Rob Gronkowski and the offensive line/running game is worse this time around. But who the Patriots are as a group is still there. It's just different.
So the offense is choppy. It got better last week, and has the potential to do its part better down the stretch. And the defense, despite some issues against the run, can still be the best unit in the league when they are ready to go.
And that's what I expect on Saturday.
Here are five reasons why I expect the Patriots to win ... again.
1. The Josh Allen Factor: I don't care how much Allen has cut down on his turnovers or how dangerous his legs are, he is still way too inconsistent to beat this Patriots defense when it counts. He'll make some splash plays, but he'll have just as many mistakes when he sprays the ball all over the yard.
2. The Bills can't beat man coverage: The Bills certainly have some weapons in RB Devin Singletary, WRs Josh Brown, and Cole Beasley, and TE Dawson Knox. Not having CB Jonathan Jones against Beasley this time will hurt, but the Patriots have plenty of depth and a rested Jason McCourty coming back. Stephon Gilmore will erase Brown again, and Patrick Chung & Co. will make Knox an afterthought. For Buffalo to be competitive in this game, it will take an all-world day of scheming guys open from OC Brian Daboll. He has that in him, but not against this defense at Gillette with Allen at quarterback.
3. The run defense will come to play: This is a playoff-type game so I think, in terms of personnel, we could get a preview of how the Patriots will stop the run. At least, that's my hope. Certainly, there have been issues with the run defense, but the Patriots can stop it when they're focused and with their secondary and Allen's limitations in the pocket, I think this is a game where they stack the box and force Allen to beat them and their man coverage.
4. Brady will be on his game: One of the most important things I've learned in my career is to never, ever doubt Thomas Edward Patrick Brady Jr. He did not play well last week. Probably his worst game of the season. That's just a fact. It's not helping that Edelman can barely move and Brady's elbow has been banged up (I've heard both have been better this week). But they're making progress as an offense with N'Keal Harry, Matt LaCosse. I expect Mohamed Sanu to be a factor this week, and even LaCosse has gotten in on the old seam game. And with everyone doubting Brady — even Belichick is subtly tweaking him to push the Greatness button — this is just his type of game.
5. It's at home: The Patriots have lost one game at Gillette the past two seasons — the Chiefs game earlier this season. New England played terrible in that game, didn't get many breaks from the officials, made some uncharacteristic mistakes, and still almost sent the game to overtime. That was the Chiefs, with Patrick Mahomes, Andy Reid, Tyreek Hill, Steve Spagnuolo, etc. This is ... Josh Allen.
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