NFL power rankings: Stacking up all 32 teams amid 2018 training camp

Perhaps it’s time to start seeing the end of the New England Patriots’ dominance over the NFL. Well, at least from head coach Bill Belichick and quarterback Tom Brady.

There’s been enough buzz this offseason about the Pats’ internal dysfunction, starting with ESPN’s Seth Wickersham’s article about the feud between Belichick, Brady and Patriots owner Robert Kraft, much if it involving now-49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo. And according to Boston Sports Journal’s Greg Bedard, the issues haven’t resolved themselves either.

It would be foolish to suggest these internal issues remove the Patriots from serious Super Bowl contention, however. Betting against Brady, Belichick and Co. is never a good idea, as they’ve been under this kind of scrutiny before.

But Brady will turn 41 years old by the time the regular season starts. Last year, Brady’s passes largely lacked the same zip he displayed a mere two years before.

And as his old rival, Peyton Manning can attest to, Father Time can catch up with an aging player very quickly.

At least the Pats have an easy road to the playoffs, though.