Roundtable: Is the last Brady/Belichick championship?

You know that new Ariana Grande song, ‘7 rings’? Well, bad song aside, that’s now a real possibility for the Tom Brady-Bill Belichick era in New England, following their sixth title on Sunday. In the weekly Daily Campus Sports roundtable, our writers argue whether this championship will be the last we’ll see from the duo, or whether we’ll see Brady and Belichick once again hoisting the Lombardi Trophy before they call it a career.

Matt Severino, Campus Correspondent

I think everybody wants to answer yes but we all know that the minute you write the Patriots off, you will eventually regret it. Nothing Brady did in the Super Bowl was spectacular. But nothing had to be. Belichick has done what all great coaches do; implement a system that plays to the team’s strengths. New England plays within themselves, and until either injuries or age catch up to Brady and the rest of the team, it isn’t safe to say we’ve seen the last of the duo.  

Danny Barletta, Campus Correspondent

Throughout the past 18 years of the Patriots dynasty, one thing has remained constant. Well, actually two things. The first is obviously the tandem of Tom Brady and Bill Belichick, the greatest quarterback and head coach of all time. The second is the Patriots’ attitude that they are never content with what they have accomplished. Belichick is always talking about next season and what they have to do to continue their success. Brady barely even likes to reflect on his past accomplishments. Both of them are always about what is next, and that is not likely to change this year. We are already in unprecedented territory as Brady and Belichick have now won more Super Bowls than 30 other NFL franchises. Brady says he wants to play until he’s 45 and based on what I’ve seen, I truly believe he can win another Super Bowl in the next three years.

Neil Simmons, Campus Correspondent

Haters have been predicting the metaphorical cliff for years yet it still hasn’t come, and I don’t see this dynasty ending as soon as the rest of the country would hope. The Belichick-Brady machine will keep on rolling for at least two to three more years, and there’s no reason to believe that they won’t make at least one more Super Bowl run in that time. Edelman is still here, Gronk is still here, Sony Michel has potential to be an elite running back, the offensive line is full of young studs and the defense is still able to shut teams down while simultaneously looking like garbage. Keep wishing for the end, because your hate makes them stronger.

Jorge Eckardt, Staff Writer

Please.

Story Salit, Campus Correspondent

The answer to this question likely depends on who retires first, Tom Brady or Bill Belichick. Brady has shown that he can still get it done in big moments despite his age, and barring any major ‘cliff’ he may face, he appears capable of leading a team through a playoff run for several more seasons considering his game doesn’t rely on explosive athleticism and because of the fact he almost never gets injured. As long as Belichick is around during Brady’s last few seasons, I think the Pats have another Super Bowl run in them. Year after year, New England rarely has a roster full of superstars, but they always remain a title contender because they are in a league of their own in terms of systematic organization, talent identification and game preparation. Belichick deserves major credit for these consistencies, and as long as he is around, he will have Brady and the Pats ready to compete for another Super Bowl.

Bryan Lambert, Unemployed Graduate

The Brady-Belichick era shall never end. This team will remain mostly intact next season and especially because I’m donating my spine to Rob Gronkowski. There is no escape here; no mercy. At the heat death of the universe Tom Brady will still be lining up in victory formation. Bill Belichick will look God in the face and throw a challenge flag. And the next Tuesday there will be a parade down Bolyston Street. Long live the kings.

Matt Barresi, Staff Writer

Yes.