We’re nearing the end of November, and that means that we, as Americans, have to expect certain things.
The leaves have fallen off the trees, dismal darkness of daylight savings time is upon us and the turkeys have been fattened up for us to enjoy at Thanksgiving.
And, the New England Patriots are sitting on the best record in the AFC.
Well yes, of course, Bill Belichick and Tom Brady are two games up on the Miami Dolphins in the AFC East and only the Arizona Cardinals — at 9-1 — have a better record in the NFL. But, take a trip through time, back to late September — two short months ago — and what you will see is shocking.
After a horrifically average 2-2 start, chaos was breaking loose across New England.
People were calling for Brady’s head on a plate after a nauseating start to the year, which included a loss with rival Dolphins in week one and a Kansas City Chiefs beat down in week four.
Tom Terrific looked kind of like Tom Terrible and a coup had been formed to oust the regime. The Golden Boy boldly stated in the pre-season that he would retire when he sucked — his abysmal performance against the Chiefs was just enough to fuel the fires of rebellion.
Was the Jimmy Garoppollo era suddenly upon us?
Fortunately for Pats fans, Belichick and Brady, stalwarts of a franchise who have amassed 13 consecutive winning seasons, failed to panic. They responded to the critics by going out and winning their next six games, a feat that will only add to their lore.
Here are five reasons why the New England Patriots are back on top of the AFC after a sluggish start:
1. The Golden Boy
When things are going badly, as they were in September for the Pats, a ton of blame gets heaped on the quarterback.
That being said, when things are going well, he’s the guy who gets the most credit. There aren’t many quarterbacks in the league playing at a higher level than Tom Brady has since week five.
Throughout the first four weeks of the season, he threw only four touchdowns and two interceptions, but during New England’ six-game winning streak, he’s amassed 20 touchdowns threw only three picks.
So much for Brady sucking in 2014.
2. The Gronk
Well, folks, after an injury-plagued year in 2013, Rob Gronkowski is back. He leads all NFL tight ends with 734 receiving yards and has also notched nine touchdowns, good for second amongst players in his position.
He is able to shed off defenders and break tackles, filling up highlight reels on a weekly basis. His 12 receptions which have gone for more than 20 yards are also tied for first amongst NFL tight ends this season.
The Gronk’ s physicality and athleticism have made him one of Brady’s all-time favorite targets and his energy brings an added element of excitement to the Pats’ offense.
3. Who’s that running back?
Belichick is known for pulling guys off the scrap heap and turning them into productive players. He was at it again in Sunday night’s thwarting of the Indianapolis Colts.
Some thought it would be a game in which Brady and the Pats would hand the AFC torch to Andrew Luck and the-up-and-coming Colts. Instead, Brady handed the ball off to Jonas Grey.
Grey proceeded to take that ball and run 38 times for 199 yards and four touchdowns. Not bad for an undrafted back, who totaled 32 carries for 131 yards during his entire career prior to his outburst on Sunday Night Football.
Sorry, Indy, the Pats aren’t ready to vacate their top spot just yet.
4. Revis Island
Darrelle Revis has been regarded as one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL for several years now. But, after an injury-riddled finish to his time with the Jets and one-year stint with the Tampa Bay Bucs, Revis Island has reemerged.
The New England secondary, which also includes Brandon Browner, Kyle Arrington, Patrick Chung and Devin McCourty, has established itself as one the NFL’s most feared units.
5. Stephen Gostkowski
Getty Images
A kicker? On the list of reasons why the Pats are winning again?
Yup, that’s right, the Pats place kicker has been the best in the league thus far in 2014. He leads the NFL in field goals made with 24 and has only one miss, converting at a rate of 96 percent, which is the second-best percentage out of kickers who have at least 20 attempts.
Gostkowski is also a perfect 11-11 on field goal attempts 40 yards or longer. He has also not missed any point, after attempts.
Belichick and the Pats know from experience how vital a reliable kicker is if you want to go deep in the playoffs.
Read more: http://elitedaily.com/sports/patriots-back-super-bowl/856569/
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