Dubious Patriots Pro Bowl feat yet another sign of the decline of the Bill Belichick era
Given the New England Patriots' recent success or lack thereof, the Bill Belichick era appears to have run its course. On Wednesday, that narrative only grew with news that no Patriots players made the Pro Bowl cut.
That's right, not a single Patriot was deemed worthy of a Pro Bowl nod, which, while unsurprising, is another negative in a season full of them. It's especially concerning considering that it's the first time the team has been without a Pro Bowler since 2000, Belichick's first year coaching the team.
The Patriots were one of only four teams without a Pro Bowler, joining the Washington Commanders, Carolina Panthers and Green Bay Packers. Out of the bunch, only the Packers are relevant, needing a win in Week 18 to clinch a playoff berth.
Whatever your thoughts on the Pro Bowl and its meaning in the grand scheme, it's not the best look for Belichick, who's been dominating since joining the Patriots over two decades ago.
The slight against the Patriots' roster doesn't mean there aren't talented players with bright futures on the team, but it is an indictment on the club as currently constructed, and that's on Belichick. The void in talent has shown up in a 4-12 record this season, but the decline in New England didn't begin yesterday. It's been slowly progressing over the past few seasons. Since finishing 12-4 in 2019, the Patriots have gone a combined 29-37 over a stretch that includes more losing seasons (3) than playoff berths (1).
While Belichick has been his usual gruff self regarding rumors of his inevitable departure from the team, this feels like the end. If so, his unrivaled legacy will have teams knocking down the door for his services, even if he's leaving the Patriots the same way he arrived, as a five-win team at best.
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