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6 Reasons Why the New England Patriots Will Win Super Bowl XLIX

6 Reasons Why the New England Patriots Will Win Super Bowl XLIX

Bill Belichick New England Patriots
David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

For the fifth time in the Bill Belichick-Tom Brady era, the New England Patriots are owners of the top seed in the AFC. But will the Patriots be able to finish the season with a win in Super Bowl XLIX? Here are six reasons why the Patriots will be swimming in confetti in February.

6. Elite Special Teams

Danny Amendola New England Patriots
David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

6. Elite Special Teams

Danny Amendola New England Patriots
David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

The Patriots have the highest field goal block percentage in the NFL, blocking one field goal for every ten attempted. The efforts of Jamie Collins, Vince Wilfork, and others on the unit have singlehandedly led to Patriots victories recently. Another item of note on special teams is a punt returning unit that is consistently effective whether it’s Julian Edelman (12.0 yards per return, second in NFL) or Danny Amendola (8.3, 13th).

5. A Hungry, Passionate Tom Brady

Tom Brady New England Patriots
Winslow Towson-USA TODAY Sports

5. A Hungry, Passionate Tom Brady

Tom Brady New England Patriots
Winslow Towson-USA TODAY Sports

Brady further displayed his loyalty to the Patriots by restructuring his contract on Monday so that the Pats have an extra in cap space. It’s clear he wants at least one more ring in his possession. Expect a determined, feisty Brady to implore his Patriots to a three-game win streak to close out the season.

4. Top-Notch Secondary Play

Darrelle Revis New England Patriots
Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports

4. Top-Notch Secondary Play

Darrelle Revis New England Patriots
Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports

Darrelle Revis has put himself back into the conversation of best corner in the NFL, and his partner Brandon Browner hasn’t been too shabby either. Devin McCourty, recently cheated of the Pro Bowl and playing in a contract year, will be looking to assert his stardom in January. Standout slot corner Kyle Arrington and promising rookie Malcolm Butler round out the group. These days, no quarterback sleeps well before facing the Pats’ secondary.

3. Gronk

Rob Gronkowski New England Patriots
WInslow Towson-USA TODAY Sports

3. Gronk

Rob Gronkowski New England Patriots
WInslow Towson-USA TODAY Sports

It’s an understatement to say that the guy is a matchup nightmare. As long as Rob Gronkowski stays healthy, the Patriots will be favorites to win the Super Bowl. What a lot of people don’t realize is Gronkowski is a huge asset as a run blocker, snowplowing for LeGarrette Blount and Jonas Gray when he isn’t making one-handed grabs and stiff-arming safeties.

2. Coming-of-Age Defensive Players

Jamie Collins New England Patriots
Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

2. Coming-of-Age Defensive Players

Jamie Collins New England Patriots
Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

The frustrating defenses of the past three or four seasons have given way into that youthful yet proven unit that we have seen this season. Jamie Collins, Dont'a Hightower, and Chandler Jones have grown into starring roles. It is the ascendance of this trio, along with the new arrivals, that has launched the Patriots' defense into the next level.

1. A Strong Stable of Running Backs

LeGarrette Blount New England Patriots
Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports

1. A Strong Stable of Running Backs

LeGarrette Blount
Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports

A proven way to beat the Patriots in January is to keep Tom Brady on the bunch, so it is encouraging that the Patriots have a backfield that can grind out long drives. LeGarrette Blount and Jonas Gray are a formidable one-two punch; both players are remarkable in their ability to barely ever lose yards. If the Patriots can get the ground attack churning early in games, then they will be that much closer to the Lombardi trophy.

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