Fansided

How did each NFL team grade out now that the Super Bowl is over?

By Rucker Haringey

KANSAS CITY, MO - JANUARY 12: Quarterback Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs rolls out on a pass play in the AFC Divisional Playoff against the Indianapolis Colts at Arrowhead Stadium on January 12, 2019 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images)
KANSAS CITY, MO - JANUARY 12: Quarterback Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs rolls out on a pass play in the AFC Divisional Playoff against the Indianapolis Colts at Arrowhead Stadium on January 12, 2019 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images) /
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FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – JANUARY 13: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots during the AFC Divisional Playoff Game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Gillette Stadium on January 13, 2019 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – JANUARY 13: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots during the AFC Divisional Playoff Game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Gillette Stadium on January 13, 2019 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images) /

New England Patriots-A+

It only makes sense that the team that wins the Super Bowl should get our only A+. We’re all running out of superlatives for Tom Brady and company, but we’ll do our best in this space to accurately articulate their greatness.

Brady is going to start slowing down sometime, but we didn’t see any real signs of age-related regression this year. He was still the same brilliant signal caller he’s been for the better part of two decades. Bill Belichick didn’t put as much on Brady during this regular season as he has in previous seasons, but he’s still one of the most dangerous passers in the NFL.

The steady improvement of the defense over the full campaign was the real secret to New England’s success. Specifically, the defensive line really gelled as time went on. Trey Flowers was the standout, but the group functioned well as a unit. Even if Flowers bolts via free agency, you shouldn’t bet against this group finding a way to overcome his departure.

The only real question about the Patriots heading into the offense is whether or not Rob Gronkowski will come back to play another season. He wasn’t the same dynamic weapon this season as we’ve seen in previous seasons, but he still terrifies defensive coordinators.

Anyone looking for slippage from this franchise next year will need to squint really hard to see any signs of hope.

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