Tom Brady's future is up in the air after unceremonious Wild Card exit

Every week we sit down with BetAmerica Extra columnists Ashley Anderson, James Scully and Scott Shapiro to discuss the latest news from around the NFL. This week they weigh in on Tom Brady's future in New England, The Bill's offseason plans, and whether Mike McCarthy can guide the Cowboys to the Super Bowl.

Tom Brady has said it's "pretty unlikely" he'll retire after the Patriots' wild-card loss, but does he still deserve to be New England's starting quarterback next season?

Ashley: Statistically, Brady has experienced steady regression over the past three seasons, and in the second half of 2019, he looked far from an elite quarterback. I hate to say it, but I think the Pats may be better off planning for the future without him, but I would like to see the six-time Super Bowl winner get one last shot at redemption in New England before he retires.

James: The job belongs to Brady if he wants it. The scenario exists for him to follow Josh McDaniels to a new team in need of quarterback, but I think Brady will be back in New England. However, the Patriots must be commit themselves to improving a terrible receiving corps during the offseason.

Scott: After what he has accomplished in New England, Tom Brady deserves to be the Patriots starter next season if that is what he chooses. He was far from elite in 2019, but he is at the point in his career where he needs the right players around him to be successful. That was not the case this season, where his offensive line was subpar and he lacked playmakers on the outside. If those things are addressed in Foxborough, Brady can still be a productive quarterback.

What offseason changes do you expect to see in Buffalo following the Bills' loss to the Texans? 

Ashley: Buffalo ranked in the top 10 in rushing offense and defense and was No. 4 against the pass, but landed in the bottom 10 in passing yards on offense. The Bills dropped the second most passes (26) in the league and need to add a few more reliable receivers, in addition to John Brown (72 catches, 1,060 yards) and Cole Beasley (67 catches, 778 yards).

James: With the defense and special teams to compete for an AFC title, Buffalo should focus on offense. Josh Allen must continue to develop in his third year, and the Bills can help by improving his receivers (from Cole Beasley and John Brown) and an offensive line ranked 21st by PFF.

Scott: The Bills took a big step forward in 2019, but still have holes to fill if they want to be a serious Super Bowl contender in the coming years. Buffalo needs a receiver with size to complement John Brown and Cole Beasley, as well as a tight end that can make plays down the field. They also could use an additional pass rusher to create more consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks. I expect these issues to be addressed, but if Josh Allen does not make better decisions and play with more consistency it will all be for naught.

Can Mike McCarthy turn the Cowboys into a Super Bowl contender?

Ashley: He’s already led another historic franchise to a Super Bowl, but allegedly dealt with dissension from quarterback Aaron Rodgers, and his “outdated” offensive schemes were criticized in his latter years in Green Bay. With the right supporting cast on staff, especially at offensive coordinator, I think McCarthy can lead Dallas to the Promised Land, but I’m still a bit skeptical.

James: I think so. Dallas has the pieces on offense, and a good core to build upon defensively with linebackers Leighton Vander Esch and Jaylon Smith, end DeMarcus Lawrence, and cornerback Byron Jones. They have lacked competent coaching, and Super Bowl-winning coach Mike McCarthy is likely to move them forward significantly in that regard.

Scott: The Cowboys underachieved in 2019 and throughout the Jason Garrett era, but I am not convinced that Mike McCarthy is a massive upgrade as new head coach. Sure, he brings in a resume that includes a Super Bowl and a career record of 135-85-2, but he lacks creativity and is too conservative at times. Dallas has a solid roster from top to bottom, but I still do not expect them to hoist the Vince Lombardi Trophy in the coming years with Dak Prescott at QB and McCarthy at the helm.

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