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The New England Patriots may not be back to being bonafide Super Bowl contenders but they are back to being a good team. The Patriots have clinched a playoff berth heading into Week 18. They have a chance at being the top seed in the AFC if everything goes their way. Even if it doesn't, they'll still get a shot in the playoffs.
Bill Belichick, stoic and straightforward as ever, gave a simple answer when asked what the Patriots' strengths are.
Bill Belichick asked to name a few traits that have defined the 2021 #Patriots, calls them competitive and praises the team's work ethic.
"It hasn't always been good, but I'd say it's been competitive."
— Andrew Callahan (@_AndrewCallahan) January 7, 2022
The Patriots did not have significant expectations to make the postseason this season, their second without Tom Brady. Yet, they found a way to win, ripping off a seven-game winning streak en route to a double-digit win season. With a top-notch defense and respectable offense, they have the chance to do some damage in the postseason.
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Rookie quarterback Mac Jones and running back Damien Harris have led a strong offense. Jones proved to be a steady option under center, throwing for 3,540 yards and 21 touchdowns. Harris has rushed for 892 yards and 14 touchdowns, which is tied for the second-most in the NFL.
While Jones may be one of New England's bigger storylines, linebacker Matt Judon and cornerback J.C. Jackson have been the team's most dominant players. The Pro Bowlers help lead a stout defensive unit that allows the fewest points per game in the league. Judon has recorded 12.5 sacks while Jackson has defended 22 passes and recorded eight interceptions.
New England's ability to jump right into playoff contention after a mediocre season speaks to Belichick's tremendous coaching ability, even if he won't speak much about it himself.
