Pats Just Extended Their Contending Period by 10 years

[Sfpat]

If "ifs and buts" were cherries and nuts, we'd all have a merry Christmas!
People in this thread seem not to realize there's a reason he fell to the 3rd round. And there's a reason why a lot of teams didn't have him terribly high for his position. And it has little to do with character issues.

Personally, I hope we never see the guy play a single meaningful down during his contract here.

Yes he fell, but was it due to real issues or "perceived" issues. To most, perception is reality. As stated elsewhere, most teams play to the same scouting "book" and any little issue gets overblown (justifiably), especially for highly rated players as no one wants to draft the next Jamarcus. As examples, consider Warren Sapp and Randy Moss who fell for reasons that were overblown. The issue with Mallet is not talent but character issues, based on unfounded (to date) rumors. He's a coaches son, film junkie, smart, heady football player. And he is a leader. His success at Arkansas is incredible (taking a team picked essentially last to the SEC championship game). That's the SEC championship game, not the Big East or MAC. Sounds like he has all the tools to be a great NFL QB. What more do you want?

As for playing, eventually TB, as great as he is, will age and need to be replaced. I love TB but it's happened to everyone who played before him and it will happen to him (usually around age 37/38). I hope that when that day comes that Mallet steps in and has a long, hall of fame caliber career with the Pats.

 

[Wolfpack]

Yes he fell, but was it due to real issues or "perceived" issues. To most, perception is reality. As stated elsewhere, most teams play to the same scouting "book" and any little issue gets overblown (justifiably), especially for highly rated players as no one wants to draft the next Jamarcus. As examples, consider Warren Sapp and Randy Moss who fell for reasons that were overblown. The issue with Mallet is not talent but character issues, based on unfounded (to date) rumors. He's a coaches son, film junkie, smart, heady football player. And he is a leader. His success at Arkansas is incredible (taking a team picked essentially last to the SEC championship game). That's the SEC championship game, not the Big East or MAC. Sounds like he has all the tools to be a great NFL QB. What more do you want?

The high profile guy with arguably the most character questions in this year's draft also happened to be the #1 pick overall. i just don't buy any excuses that Mallett fell as far as he did purely on character issues.

As for playing, eventually TB, as great as he is, will age and need to be replaced. I love TB but it's happened to everyone who played before him and it will happen to him (usually around age 37/38). I hope that when that day comes that Mallet steps in and has a long, hall of fame caliber career with the Pats.

Brady is already at an age where most QB's decline, and yet he just had arguably the 2nd best year of his career statisitcally. I have no doubt that barring injury, Brady will continue to be a stellar quarterback well into his 40's. But hey, if If you want to put the nails in Brady's coffin at 37, that's your choice. I just hope the Patriots' management doesn't see it that way.

 

[Sfpat]

Brady is already at an age where most QB's decline, and yet he just had arguably the 2nd best year of his career statisitcally. I have no doubt that barring injury, Brady will continue to be a stellar quarterback well into his 40's. But hey, if If you want to put the nails in Brady's coffin at 37, that's your choice. I just hope the Patriots' management doesn't see it that way.

To review a little history, the 49ers traded Montana at age 36 (I believe). Montana was still a good QB, played for two more seasons, and even took KC to the playoffs one year. He was no longer a "franchise" caliber QB and the Niners didn't win a SB during his last 5-6 years (I don't remember exactly the stretch). The Niners won the SB shortly after Young took over at QB.

The Packers let Favre go a couple of years ago at age 37. Again, he was still a good QB, played for three more season, but had not won a SB in almost 10 years. Three years later with the kid, the Packers win the SB.

History is History. I hope TB can play forever at a "franchise" caliber level (I know Elway won a SB at age 38). But the facts say that it would be wise to prepare for the transition so we don't become the post Young Niners, post Elway Broncos, post Marino Dolphins, post Starr Packers, post Bradshaw Steelers, etc (insert name of team that at one time had a "franchise" QB). It's better to let a player go one year too early than one year too late.

 

[Wolfpack]

To review a little history, the 49ers traded Montana at age 36 (I believe). Montana was still a good QB, played for two more seasons, and even took KC to the playoffs one year. He was no longer a "franchise" caliber QB and the Niners didn't win a SB during his last 5-6 years (I don't remember exactly the stretch).

Actually, it was more like 3 years (two of which Montana didn't even play) but why let facts get in the way? Fact is Montana only actually played 1 season with SF after winning SB24, and in that year they were 1 Roger Craig fumble away from going to their 3rd straight Super Bowl.

The Packers let Favre go a couple of years ago at age 37. Again, he was still a good QB, played for three more season, but had not won a SB in almost 10 years. Three years later with the kid, the Packers win the SB.

Brett Favre had one of the best years of his career at age 40 in Minnesota.

History is History. I hope TB can play forever at a "franchise" caliber level (I know Elway won a SB at age 38). But the facts say that it would be wise to prepare for the transition so we don't become the post Young Niners, post Elway Broncos, post Marino Dolphins, post Starr Packers, post Bradshaw Steelers, etc (insert name of team that at one time had a "franchise" QB). It's better to let a player go one year too early than one year too late.

Hey, you've made your point. You've got Tom Brady put out to pasture at age 37, but I have a higher estimation of Brady's skills than you do. I see him being a franchise caliber QB for 5 more years at the very least - probably longer. If you want to replace him with a completely unproven product several years sooner than that, fine. I'm just glad you're not making the decisions.