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Long-term NFL planning is often overrated. Why that benefits Bill Belichick and the Patriots

Five years ago, as New England waited for the next wallop in what would by mid-February become the city of Boston’s snowiest season on record, this humble reporter was lucky enough to be walking the temperate streets of Phoenix, Ariz.

I was there for Super Bowl XLIX. (That’s the one when Malcolm Butler became immortal, in case you’ve got your Roman numerals mixed up.) I was there on behalf of the Union Leader, and as the delegate for New Hampshire’s state-wide newspaper I was really fortunate one afternoon to come upon an event featuring Eagles coach Chip Kelly, the Granite State native and former UNH offensive coordinator.