Having clinched home-field advantage throughout the playoffs, the Patriots are the current odds-on favorites to win the Super Bowl. Sure, the last time the Patriots were such heavy favorites going into the playoffs we all remember how that turned out, as I'm sure a certain David Tyree does as well.
But there's just something different about this Patriots team, an air of confidence mixed with an sense of pride and responsibility. Without the big time players, like the Randy Moss' of old, many key role players have been the nucleus of a team that has formed into a major contender. Take for example, Danny Woodhead, released by the New York Jets early in the season, and look at the sparks he has provided with big runs and catches at key moments of big games. Another perfect example is Benjarvus Green-Ellis. One of the best names in football history which in turn has landed him the title of The Law Firm, BJGE has been a surprise story for a resurgent run game which has added another dimension to the Patriots already potent offense. Green-Ellis took all 16 games this season, but finally in the 4th quarter of Week 17, he accomplished what no other New England running back has since the 2004 season. The 1,000 yard milestone, previously only Corey Dillon and Antowain Smith had gained over 1,000 yards for Bill Belicheck's pass first offense. BJGE earned this achievement through hard work and determination this season turning himself into a dangerous threat rushing for 1,008 yards and 13 TDs, while NOT FUMBLING all season, perhaps the most incredible piece of information about the man they call the Law Firm.
The Patriots offense just clicked all season as they put up over 500points this season, where no other team eclipsed the 450 mark. Tom Brady's league leading 111 passer rating, and NFL Record 335 consecutive pass attempts without an interception, showed that even the luscious flowing locks couldn't slow him down this season.
Contributions from rookies this season were a big part of the success that this Patriots team had. There were multiple rookies who stepped up at key times during the season making big plays, however 4 rookies shined the brightest. Aaron Hernandez, the tight end out of the University of Florida, showed why the Patriots selected him even with his health concerns. Hernandez caught 45 passes for a total of 563 yards and 5 touchdowns. A prolific route runner in just his rookie season, Hernandez made many plays with his feet after the catch. Another star rookie playing the same position, Rob Gronkowski broke the previosuly established rookie records as well as overall total TD receptions by a Tight End. Gronkowski recorded 42 catches for 546 yards with 10 TDs. He really stepped his game up in what may have been one of the most important games of the season for the Patriots, in a 39-26 drubbing of the Pittsburgh Steelers. Gronkowski recorded 5 receptions for 72 yards including 3 TD receptions. Looking down the road, it appears that the Patriots are all set at the Tight End position. Flying completely under the radar was punter Zoltan Mesko, out of the University of Michigan. A guy who I believe deserves a lot more credit because when and if the Patriots punted, he did an excellent job of ball control and not giving teams a good chance to return for good yardage. Of course being the punter doesn't exactly come with the same type attention and fame as the skill positions, but I still believe that the job that Zoltan Mesko did in only his rookie season deserves at least some mention. Lastly, the final rookie who stood out is an obvious one. Devin McCourty, the Patriots first round draft selection showed why he was worth the 1st round status and was just recently named to the Pro Bowl roster as a reserve. McCourty ended the season with 7 interceptions and 82 total tackles. The most impressive stat about his interception total is not that it was one shy of the clubs rookie record of eight held by Mike Haynes, but the fact that he didn't have an interception until the 6 game of the season. His 7 interceptions came over the course of 11 games. Having perhaps one of, if not the best second half of the season for cornerbacks in the league, McCourty established himself as a special cover corner shutting down several big play receivers and making big plays in the process. The future looks bright for the Patriots as they hopefully will be able to continue their success with the great drafting done by this organization.
By the looks of it, many people have already decided to crown the Patriots champions and send them off to Disney. I'm not ready to do that just yet however they are my favorite going in to at least make it to the Super Bowl and pull off another one of their wins by a late field goal.
Here are my predictions for how the Patriots playoff run will go:
Divisional Round: Patriots 35 vs Jets 20
Conference Championship: Patriots 28 vs Steelers 17
Super Bowl: Patriots 31 vs Atlanta 28
