Are the Patriots coming apart at the seams?

Is the model franchise in the NFL, the New England Patriots, showing signs of tearing each other apart?

When you woke up this morning there has been one story dominating the sports world. Seth Wickersham’s ESPN piece on the current state of the New England Patriots.

According to the story, there is more than meets the eye when looking at the Patriots. Legendary coach Bill Belichick and legendary quarterback Tom Brady are showing signs that there may only be enough room in New England for one of them. Wickersham notes that this past season felt different.

"It was about the culmination of months of significant behind-the-scenes frustrations. For almost two decades, Belichick has managed to subvert the egos of his best player, his boss and himself for the good of the team, yielding historic results. This year, though, the dynamics have been different."

It seemingly centered around Brady’s confidant, trainer, life coach and friend Alex Guerrero. Brady and Guerrero partnered in creating the plan that is now known as TB12. It is a mix of diet, exercise and life style changes that apparently aid individuals in longevity and overall health.

The TB12 also effected the Patriots team and Brady himself.

"The way TB12 began to creep into Brady’s life worried people close to the QB, many of whom were suspicious of Guerrero. “Tom changed,” says a friend of Brady’s."

Belichick tolerated Guerrero thinking that Brady, and anyone who advised him, also had the best interest of the team in mind. According to the story that was not the case.

Guerrero caused a major rift with Patriots players and staff. Some felt that Brady’s inner circle was attainable by adopting the TB12 method. Belichick and the Patriots felt that Guerrero’s methods may not be exactly backed by science (they are not).

Belicheck removed Guerrero’s access in 2014. That would be the same year the now San Francisco 49ers’ quarterback Jimmy Garropolo was drafted. Another wrinkle to the blanket of tension in New England was Garropolo. Belichick invested draft capital into the player and saw him as Brady’s secession plan. Brady had other ideas.

The future Hall of Fame quarterback was growing tired of Belichick’s antics and looking over his shoulder at his handsome backup.

"Belichick’s negativity and cynicism have gotten old, Brady has told other Patriots players and staff. He feels he has accomplished enough that he shouldn’t have to endure so much grief."

It was clear to Brady that Garropolo had to go. According to the report, Brady and team owner Robert Kraft met with the end result being Kraft telling Belichick to trade Garropolo.

"The owner was in Brady’s corner. “He won,” a Patriots staffer says."

Could that trade be the final straw for Belichick who always prided himself on no player above the team? Some believe so. The story notes that the final game against the Jets felt different this season.

"It didn’t look like Belichick’s last regular-season game as the Patriots’ head coach, but several coaches and staffers later remarked to one another that it felt as if it could be."

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One thing is clear, the Patriots are in the running to win yet another Super Bowl. Could it be the last one for the Belicick/Brady partnership? Only time will tell. From this report though it sure sounds possible.