The New England Patriots missed their chance to play in Super Bowl 50, but there’s reason to believe they’ll have another shot next season.
Former NFL quarterback Boomer Esiason joined 98.5 The Sports Hub’s “Toucher & Rich” on Monday morning after New England’s 20-18 loss to the Denver Broncos, and he thinks the Patriots have nothing to worry about. In fact, Esiason predicted they’ll make their sixth straight AFC Championship Game next year.
“They’ll be right back here,” Esiason said. “I’m telling you, they’re loaded. They’re a great football team. … I still think this thing doesn’t do anything to me in terms of taking away the ‘greatest of all time’ tag (from Tom Brady) because he’s going to be back here.”
Despite the offseason moves the Patriots have to make, Esiason believes New England’s constant is Brady, and as long as he’s 100 percent, the Pats should be able to maintain their spot atop the standings.
“Peyton Manning, he’ll be 40 in March, and he’s going to Super Bowl 50,” Esiason said. “Tom’s been to six Super Bowls. I have a feeling they’re going to be good enough to get right through the AFC East again as long as he stays healthy for them, to get back here again. They’re a really good team. If they stay healthy, they’ll be fine. Obviously, they have to tweak the offensive line.”
Until next year, though, the Patriots will have to settle with watching the Broncos take on the Carolina Panthers in Super Bowl 50 instead of making the trip to Santa Clara, Calif., themselves.
Thumbnail photo via Mark J. Rebilas/USA TODAY Sports Images
