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This thread could have been made whether we lost or not. We are obviously disappointed in this loss, but you might notice the remaining teams are filled with experienced veterans, particularly on defense. It really would have been a spectacular coup had the Patriots knocked off these experienced players en route to the Super Bowl. But there is a small silver lining here.
We scoffed at the Jets for years, particularly while they felt short of expectations. However, the nucleus of their team was built with a lot of good draft picks: Harris, Revis, Mangold, Ferguson, Green, Keller. Let's remember that these players also went through growing pains, and they are now polished. But still, the Jets, like other teams, will have some major issues this offseason (let's assume free agency is normal.) If they sign a lot of their veteran players that were key to yesterday's win, they'll be gambling on age. They are not the only team.
NYJ. The Jets have a laundry list of free agents. David Harris, Jason Taylor, Braylon Edwards, Santonio Holmes, Antonio Cromartie, LaDainian Tomlinson, Shaun Ellis, Trevor Pryce, plus a plethora of other role players. Keep in mind that after yesterday's win, a lot of these guys have just seen their value skyrocket, particularly Cromartie and Holmes.
Indianapolis. The Colts don't have a problem with free agency. Their problem is age. Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis are clearly the cornerstones of that defense, and they are both at/near age 30. They are entirely built on speed rushing, and you don't see a lot of these guys playing into old age. Gary Brackett is 30; not old, but no spring chicken. Dallas Clark is 31. Bob Sanders is 30 next month and his career is likely over. Jeff Saturday is 35. Reggie Wayne is 32- he probably has a few elite years left, but you can't really bet a lot of money on guys his age. Look at Randy Moss' decline from when he was 30 (2007) until now (almost 34.) Oh, and Peyton Manning is 35 in March. This is a lot of major contributors that are on the wrong side of an NFL player's peak. I think with the Super Bowl in Indianapolis next year, you'll one last major run.
Pittsburgh. The Steelers have perhaps the smallest window, at least on defense. On offense, though, Hines Ward will be 35 in March. On defense, we're looking at a similar situation to the Pats a few years ago. Ryan Clark is 31; James Farrior is 36; Casey Hampton is 33; James Harrison will be 31 soon; Brett Keisel is 32; Aaron Smith is almost 35; both cornerbacks are over 29. The Steelers need to draft very well. This defense is good enough to overcome a few losses, but their rebuilding mode must begin very soon.
Baltimore. The Ravens have a lot of veterans whose leadership helps the team, but many of them are also heading out of the league soon. On offense, Matt Birk is 34. Derrick Mason is 37 and might have one more season. Anquan Boldin is actually 30, and he is looks to be on the downside of his career (great move in avoiding that one.) On defense, two invaluable players are aging. Ray Lewis is 35, while Ed Reed is 32. While Reed doesn't look to be slowing down anytime soon, Lewis does. Kelly Gregg is also 34.
Looking at the Patriots roster, let's hope Brady has four or five good years left. The Pats have reloaded at an incredibly fast pace and you can expect our guys to improve into their primes; these other contenders will have to rebuild very soon, as the stars from the early to mid decade will start fading soon.
We scoffed at the Jets for years, particularly while they felt short of expectations. However, the nucleus of their team was built with a lot of good draft picks: Harris, Revis, Mangold, Ferguson, Green, Keller. Let's remember that these players also went through growing pains, and they are now polished. But still, the Jets, like other teams, will have some major issues this offseason (let's assume free agency is normal.) If they sign a lot of their veteran players that were key to yesterday's win, they'll be gambling on age. They are not the only team.
NYJ. The Jets have a laundry list of free agents. David Harris, Jason Taylor, Braylon Edwards, Santonio Holmes, Antonio Cromartie, LaDainian Tomlinson, Shaun Ellis, Trevor Pryce, plus a plethora of other role players. Keep in mind that after yesterday's win, a lot of these guys have just seen their value skyrocket, particularly Cromartie and Holmes.
Indianapolis. The Colts don't have a problem with free agency. Their problem is age. Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis are clearly the cornerstones of that defense, and they are both at/near age 30. They are entirely built on speed rushing, and you don't see a lot of these guys playing into old age. Gary Brackett is 30; not old, but no spring chicken. Dallas Clark is 31. Bob Sanders is 30 next month and his career is likely over. Jeff Saturday is 35. Reggie Wayne is 32- he probably has a few elite years left, but you can't really bet a lot of money on guys his age. Look at Randy Moss' decline from when he was 30 (2007) until now (almost 34.) Oh, and Peyton Manning is 35 in March. This is a lot of major contributors that are on the wrong side of an NFL player's peak. I think with the Super Bowl in Indianapolis next year, you'll one last major run.
Pittsburgh. The Steelers have perhaps the smallest window, at least on defense. On offense, though, Hines Ward will be 35 in March. On defense, we're looking at a similar situation to the Pats a few years ago. Ryan Clark is 31; James Farrior is 36; Casey Hampton is 33; James Harrison will be 31 soon; Brett Keisel is 32; Aaron Smith is almost 35; both cornerbacks are over 29. The Steelers need to draft very well. This defense is good enough to overcome a few losses, but their rebuilding mode must begin very soon.
Baltimore. The Ravens have a lot of veterans whose leadership helps the team, but many of them are also heading out of the league soon. On offense, Matt Birk is 34. Derrick Mason is 37 and might have one more season. Anquan Boldin is actually 30, and he is looks to be on the downside of his career (great move in avoiding that one.) On defense, two invaluable players are aging. Ray Lewis is 35, while Ed Reed is 32. While Reed doesn't look to be slowing down anytime soon, Lewis does. Kelly Gregg is also 34.
Looking at the Patriots roster, let's hope Brady has four or five good years left. The Pats have reloaded at an incredibly fast pace and you can expect our guys to improve into their primes; these other contenders will have to rebuild very soon, as the stars from the early to mid decade will start fading soon.
