B/R Debate: Is Anything Less Than a Super Bowl Win a Failure for the Patriots?

The New England Patriots were the standard for excellence with three Super Bowl wins in a four-year span at the beginning of the decade.

I don't need to remind you how things have gone since then: Several big-game disappointments have led to a "drought" of seven years for the Patriots.

The most recent disappointment was a Super Bowl loss in which the Patriots were just a few plays away from a championship.

But the question now is, will anything less than a Super Bowl win be a failure?

To discuss the topic, we bring in Steve Palazzolo, a writer and analyst for Pro Football Focus, who covers the Patriots for the site. Steve can also be found on Twitter, so go do that.

As usual, the guest kicks it off. Take it away, Steve.

Steve: Trick question?

Yes, it seems that every year should be "Super Bowl or Bust" in New England, but not in an "it will tarnish the reputation of Brady and Belichick" kind of way. If they never win another Super Bowl, they'll still be remembered for the three they did achieve in the early 2000s.

Despite the success they've had the last 10-plus years, it still has to eat at Patriots fans when they think of how close they were to championships in 2006, 2007 and 2011. A couple plays here and there could have put the franchise into even more rarified air.

Regardless of legacy, we're talking about the 2012 Patriots, and given their roster, I think a Super Bowl victory is the only true validation for their season. They've done an amazing job of building depth throughout the roster, so it appears that the pieces are in place.

They improved the wide receiver position with the signing of Brandon Lloyd, and that may improve one of the offense's few weaknesses from last season.

The defense has gotten a three-year overhaul, which has culminated with Belichick taking all defensive players in the draft.

When the Patriots went 14-2 in 2010, they had one of the youngest teams in the league, yet still had the NFL's best regular-season record. A team that appeared to be well set up for the future overachieved a little bit that season, and the future is now.

A lot of the youth from that season now represents the Patriots' core, and they appear to be well set up for this season and beyond.

Erik: You're absolutely right, Steve.

It's been that way for a bit, though. I think expectations have been lower in the past, but since the Patriots won those three Super Bowls from 2001 to 2004, it's hard to argue that Patriots fans have been content with getting bounced by the Broncos, Colts, Giants, Ravens, Jets and...well, I think you get the picture.

It's become the standard in New England, and as such, disappointment is natural when that standard isn't upheld. Of the recent playoff letdowns, though, I wouldn't call '06 or '09 a disappointment, simply because expectations were fairly low headed into those seasons and the playoffs.

But getting back to the topic at hand, it's interesting that a Super Bowl remains the standard for excellence for the Patriots even though they haven't won one in seven years. Despite that, the fact remains that a Super Bowl win is the only acceptable finish to the 2012 season.

The question should be why that's the case.

First, think about the offense that was dominant last year and lit up scoreboards left and right. That offense has only received a turbo-boost this offseason, and that should have this team looking like the 2007 unit (if not better).

Then consider the defensive rebuild that you mentioned, which is entering its fourth year, and also got quite the turbo-boost with Chandler Jones and Dont'a Hightower. As erratic as the defense has been, there are many pieces in place, and the fact that they added so many in the draft indicates they're ready to finish the puzzle.

As much as no one may want to admit it, a Super Bowl win is the only acceptable finish, because Tom Brady will eventually retire.

When that happens is a question for another day, but the fact remains that at some point, Brian Hoyer, Ryan Mallett or someone else is going to have to run the Patriots offense, and while that remains a complete X-factor and a non-factor at this point in time, anything less than a Super Bowl is a disappointment because it's just another year less with Brady at the helm.

Steve: Wait, Tom Brady can't play forever? It's a scary thought in New England, so as we've mentioned, every year is crucial.

After the 2011 draft, I was convinced that Belichick wanted to get back to a strong running game, and even though it didn't show up last season, it may still may be the long-term plan. They drafted Nate Solder in the first round, followed up with two running backs and added another tackle in Marcus Cannon.

They even snagged the top blocking tight end in the draft in Lee Smith, though he didn't make the team. This may be the year the revamped running game comes to fruition, especially come playoff time.

Erik, I agree about the talent level on defense. I know it's taken its fair share of the blame, but the defense played some very good football during the playoff run.

Everyone knows Vince Wilfork and Jerod Mayo, but it's the Jonathan Fanene and Trevor Scott type of signings that will pay dividends. Belichick continues to find his role players, whether nickel pass-rushers, slot cornerbacks or two-down run stoppers. 

On paper, the situational depth appears to be strong, and that's the sign of a championship team.

What does this all mean?

Assuming the Patriots maintain their strengths and improve their weaknesses, they will be in the hunt again. Every team needs some luck on their way to the championship, but a deep roster and Tom Brady at the helm means it's another year of Super Bowl or Bust.

Erik: It wouldn't surprise me in the least if the Patriots were headed toward a more run-heavy attack somewhere down the line, but I don't expect that to happen with Tom Brady under center. If you have a quarterback that talented, you use him and do so often.

That being said, it would make perfect sense given the nature of the NFL as we know it.

As offenses gear toward quick pass attacks, defenses are equipping themselves to stop it by stockpiling on cornerbacks and small, fast linebackers. What better way to attack a defense that's built for speed than with an offense that's built for power?

And just look at the offensive line as presently constructed: big, physical presences like Nate Solder, Sebastian Vollmer, Logan Mankins and Marcus Cannon dot the line and give the Patriots the ability to run the ball effectively no matter who is...well, running the ball.

If Dan Connolly is the center that Dante Scarnecchia thinks he is, the Patriots will be set at the position for another decade after Dan Koppen (whenever that is).

But all the talk about the running game is secondary to that pass attack and the bevy of weapons at New England's disposal. At the risk of rehashing the obvious, between the additions of Brandon Lloyd, Jabar Gaffney, Donte Stallworth and Anthony Gonzalez, there has to be someone that can give the offense the kick-start they need outside the numbers.

With all of those additions, and with the aforementioned lack of time left in Tom Brady's career, if the Patriots don't win the Super Bowl in the 2012-13 season, it will be seen as another missed opportunity.

Well, it seems like this debate has reached an end with the two of us exhausting the Super Bowl or Bust nature of the Patriots as we know them.

Thanks for joining me, Steve, and we'll certainly collaborate for another debate in the future.

For the readers, be sure to check back at the AFC East blog every day for more debates about your favorite teams.

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