Below is what Mike Lombardi had to say about the Pats. He shoots down the “window of opportunity” theory as well.
New England Patriots: I laugh when people say the Patriots’ window is closing fast as Tom Brady gets older. Are you kidding me? The Patriots are a team in transition, but their window is not closing. In fact, it is getting wider as they keep surrounding Brady with young talent. However, the Patriots need their young players to get tougher – they need their team to get tougher. Last season, New England allowed its opponents to score every time they were first-and-goal inside the 5-yard line – every time. Last year, the Patriots had chances to win games in the final drive, but turned the ball over and finished 1-3 in games decided by three points or fewer. Their window is still open, but the youngsters better start to produce.