8. Tom Brady declining? Yes. Leaving New England? No way
New England’s 42-year-old quarterback had only 190 passing yards in Sunday’s win against Dallas. His last 300-yard passing game was in Week 6. Oh, the horror of the greatest ever falling apart? No, let’s be clear that Brady is not falling apart. Slowing down? Yes. But he still led his team to victory in bad weather against a very good team – with lots of help from his defense. Could he possibly leave the Patriots, who clinched an NFL record 17th straight season of double-digit wins? If you believe all the recent speculative reports, maybe Brady could end up with another team. There’s circumstantial evidence – Brady isn’t under contract after this season and his Massachusetts home is on the market. Brady has said he wants to play until he’s at least 45 and that adds another layer to the speculation. But, let’s look at reality. The Patriots don’t have an heir apparent in place. Even if Brady’s wife and kids are going to live somewhere else, that doesn’t mean he’s leaving New England just yet. He could live out of a hotel during the season and spend the offseason wherever his family is. Besides, owner Robert Kraft will pay Brady whatever it takes to keep him with coach Bill Belichick. You don’t bust up two guys that still are making history.