Once again, the New England Patriots will be representing the AFC in the Super Bowl. Before the season began, the media painted a picture of the Patriots going 16-0 and being the best of all time. Unfortunately for them, the Patriots got embarrassed on opening night in route to a 2-2 start to the season. The Patriots gave up 516 total yards of offense and 42 points in the first game against the Chiefs. Statistically, they were on pace to be the worst defensive team in NFL history after week 4. They had given up an average of 32.75 points per game (PPG) in that stretch.
How We Got Here- The 2017 New England Patriots Story
A Change For The Better
Following a horrific start to the season, the Patriots defense finally came around. They were consistently one of the top defenses in the NFL for the rest of the season. While the unit continued to give up mind boggling amounts of yards, they only gave up an average of 14 PPG in the final 12 games. That rank, if held for the entire season, would make them the best scoring defense in the NFL by almost a full two points.
The Patriots are being led by MVP front runner, Tom Brady, who has created a scoring output of 28.7 PPG. The Patriots are formidable on both sides of the ball. That combination makes them a very difficult team to beat.
In the playoffs, the Patriots have been phenomenal. They blew out the Titans 35-14, dominating them from start to finish. In their next game against the Jaguars, they were buried. They trailed 20-10 with 10 minutes remaining. Everything was against them. Everyone thought it was over. Then Tom Brady happened.
Tom Brady Is The “X” Factor
Brady took over the AFC Championship game like he had in his last three meaningful post season games. Three years ago he led a 10 point fourth quarter comeback against Seattle in Super Bowl XLIX. Last year, he led a historic 25 point comeback in Super Bowl LI against the Falcons. And including his last game against the Jaguars, he outscored his opponents a combined 53-3 in the fourth quarter.
So what can be expected this year? The same thing that always happens; Brady takes over and wears out the Eagles defense. Let’s be honest, the task of beating Brady is simply insurmountable for Nick Foles. The GOAT will prevail in this game like he has so many times before.