We have had the luxury nearly the past 20 years to watch the New England Patriots evolve into the NFL's current dynasty. Whether you believe in how they operate or opine that they cheat, when the Patriots play, fans watch. And yet here we are again, witnessing the franchise in position to make their ninth Super Bowl appearance of the Bill Belichick-Tom Brady era.
How they won in the past was relegated to a simple formula: trust Brady's intellect, and Belichick's system and coaching. However, the Patriots have gone through much turmoil this season and will enter the AFC title matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs as underdogs.
However, to paraphrase the legendary Tom Caughlin, when it's too tough for others, it's just right for the Patriots. Josh Gordon's leave of absence, injuries, the decline of Gronk. All have been critical factors this season as true obstacles. Nevertheless, it hasn't stopped them yet.
With that being said, The Patriots Way mantra has the makings of it's sixth Super Bowl win. Below, are the three reasons why New England will win it all.
3. Prevailing against the odds
When Josh Gordon arrived at New England via trade, Belichick knew that the acquisition was a high-risk, high-reward move. In the end, Gordon would align with the former, taking a leave of absence while simultaneously receiving an indefinite suspension by the NFL. Add in the up and down season performance wise and the decline of Rob Gronkowski, many began to write off the Patriots towards the end of the season.
But a string of dominant performances would ensue. Defensively, the Patriots would allow 15 points total to the Bills and the Jets to close out the season. And last week against the Los Angeles Chargers, they controlled the game from start to finish, ending the Chargers season with a 41-28 score. As Brady alluded to after the game, he's aware that the general consensus has counted them out.
With everything coming together, even when it shouldn't, it's appears that it's destiny for the franchise to hoist the Lombardi trophy yet again.
2. The Brady/Belichick Dynamic
The New England Patriots are identified in various ways. But the Brady/Belichick duo is perhaps it's most well known. The two have leaned on each other, through the good and bad and have parlayed that to five Super Bowls. But both are getting older in age, and various reports have come about on the friction between the two. When you've been conjoined this long, it's natural to assume one wants more credit.
But whether the friction has been put aside or not, the duo accomplished yet another AFC East title and AFC title appearance. Now more than ever will the Patriots need the two to use their powers to propel them to another Super Bowl title. Brady has the maniac drive, preparation and work ethic to win. Belichick features the coaching intellect, acumen, and the drive to win, as well. When the Patriots utilize their talents and combine them, it produces success. It's hard to imagine this season not playing out similarly as it has in the past.
1. The Patriot Way
The Patriot Way has casually been dismissed by players and coaches alike. To them, it's not as deep as advertised. But The Patriot Way isn't just propaganda: it's truly how the Patriots have won and sustained over the years. Accountability, system/team before the player and being disciplined are the tenants of their philosophy. And it's how the Patriots will win their sixth Super Bowl since 2001.
Eric Mangini, who previously coached for the Patriots commented that the Patriot Way is easy, but the dedication is hard. Teams are aware of the amount of work and discipline required to win over time. But few have decided to make the commitment to winning as the Patriots have.
Even with injuries, a decline of play by Gronk and an exile, the principles that New England sticks to has propelled them to victory. Winning, to the Patriots is the reward of sacrifice. Many teams appear to want to duplicate the Patriots model, but few have come close to actually doing it. Stars, contracts, and egos don't matter to Belichick. Only winning, and that will be the deciding factor in why the Patriots will win Super Bowl 53.
If all three factors come together, particularly the last one, it will be hard to deter the Patriots from winning. All great things eventually come to an end, of course. Hopefully, this will not be the last dance for the Brady-Belichick era Patriots.
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