The Patriots’ rise is surprising, but the way they are winning is a combination of valid reasons.
New England’s offense, coordinated by veteran Josh McDaniels, is spearheaded by their MVP candidate, second year quarterback Drake Maye. His completion % of 71.5, 23 passing touchdowns, only six interceptions and the second most passing yards in the league at 3,412 yards has been the backbone of the Patriots success.
The rushing game isn’t the strongest asset for the Patriots offense, but it does just fine with rookie running back TreVeyon Henderson having 625 yards, with other contributors being Maye and running back Rhamondre Stevenson, both over 300 rushing yards on the season.
The Patriot defense on the other hand has been solid under first-year defensive coordinator Terrell Williams. The Pats have the seventh best defense in terms of total yardage in the NFL, allowing the fifth least points, third least rushing yards and 14 takeaways.
Mike Vrabel’s unit also has a solid offensive line spearheaded by rookie tackle Mike Campbell, although those 40 sacks need to be improved on if they want to talk Super Bowl.
Alongside those high numbers of sacks, the Patriots have other weaknesses that can end their hopes of a seventh Super Bowl. Six fumbles, two by both of their main running backs, means that ball security is crucial for their future successes. Also, their turnover ratio of only positive one means that the Patriots are barely producing more turnovers than they are giving up, which shows a defense that while good, they can’t make those big plays.
There is a bit of scheduling bias at play here on the other hand, with the Patriots avoiding big names like the Rams, Bears, Packers, Texans, Eagles, Broncos, Chiefs and Lions. This avoidance could be credited to their weak showing last year, but the Patriots are winning the games they should be winning, something that many are not doing.
Despite the softer schedule of a team at 11-2, the Patriots have the league’s best record because of their consistently strong offense, good defense, and ability to win games comfortably. This makes them a threat for Super Bowl 60, despite their faults sticking out like a sore thumb.