With two games remaining in the 2010/2011 reuglar season the New England Patriots have risen to more than expected. From my preseason forecast of 12-4, to the declaration of the Patriots as "Best in the NFL" (only to get blown out by Cleveland), and all the way to 12-2 atop the AFC. I saw the true balance that this team had early on and determined they would win by overwhelming you with team play and extreme versatiality.The mastery of coaching by Belichick, the surgical passing of Brady, and the return to a true team with young players emerging on both sides of the ball, this team is Super Bowl bound. On offense: An already great Quarterback is closing in on his second League MVP award and has his team primed to capture the number on seed in the AFC. After trading Randy Moss and losing Kevin Faulk to injury for the year, Brady has been torching the NFL's best defenses. The weapons at his disposal are two rookie tight ends, two undrafted running backs, and a magically revitalized Deion Branch. Brady and the offense are so strong in the passing game, that it reminds you of the Patriot's aerial assault launched in 2007.
The way the Patriots have played this season reminds me of the 01', 03', and 04' Super Bowl Champion teams mostly because of their defense and running game. Bill Belichick's "bend don't break" style defense was as present during the dynasty years as it is now. On Defense: The defense is so good at that, they have been creating turnovers in key situations and making the big stops at the end of games. This was signature of the older Belichick defenses and has been holding up well this season so far. The balance on offense has proven too much for every good defense they've faced, and the clutch play of their defense has closed the door on every good offense. This team is a hybrid of the Super Bowl winning years and the high octane offensive team of 2007.
Desspite the fact that this Patriots team is dominant in the passing game (like 07') and playing textbook "bend, but don't break" defense of the Dynasty years, the core reason for so much success this year is preparation. Tom Brady and Bill Belichick are the second winningest Quarterback and Head Coach combination of all time. With 108 wins, nine wins shy of setting the all time record, Belichick and Brady are clearly a masterful duo that continues to win with any talent and personnel around them. The answer to is this team the Best in the NFL, the answer is a resounding yes.
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1 comment:
I enjoyed reading this, as you did a really nice job in writing it and providing your findings as supported by facts. Namely that the Pats are in a solid position to win this years Super Bowl based upon their having the coach of the year Belicek & player of the year Brady and one hell of a "TEAM".
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