Photo: Jacksonville Jaguars
Well it’s January and you guessed it, the New England Patriots are back in the AFC Championship. It’s almost like I didn’t even have to tell you that (it’s happened in 11 of the last 15 AFC title games). It’s like me telling you that Alabama is back in the national championship game or Duke is in the Final Four — it’s expected to happen. But the youth movement that the Jaguars bring could spell trouble for Brady’s Bunch and bring hope for the NFL and its fanbase.
Boring Routine
Every fan of professional football that wasn’t born or raised in New England absolutely hates the Patriots. I mean, it’s mostly the fact that they win ALL OF THE TIME, but it’s also a mixture of jealousy, the cheating allegations that have seemingly gone unpunished, and the evil genius that is Bill Belichick. Having the Patriots knocked down a couple notches would be great for everyone.
Youth Movement
The Jaguars are on of the youngest teams in the NFL — Jacksonville has only five players over the age of 30. Stars like Jalen Ramsey, A.J. Bouye and Leonard Fournette are all between the ages of 23 and 26. That age and young talent makes the Jaguars incredibly fun to watch, especially with the youth bringing a new level of energy and swagger to the game.
The End of the Dynasty
No sports fan can deny the absolute domination that the Patriots have had for almost two decades. With five Super Bowls in the 21st Century, the Patriots have been the most dominant franchise since the 49ers of the 1980s. With all of the talk about either Tom Brady, Belichick, or Robert Kraft leaving, you’d have to think that if the Pats don’t make it all the way, it’s likely that the band breaks up.
With the Patriots playing the toughest defense they have faced all year and Tom Brady “questionable” with a jammed hand, Patriot fans have to be worried that this may be the end of the road for one of the best dynasties in sports history. And for the rest of America, Sunday may be the day that the Wicked Witches of the North are finally defeated.
