This Patriots' season has been about overcoming attrition, grasping for any last thread of hope and pulling out improbable victories. What likely would be a 4-12 season for most teams, the 2013 Patriots mustered 5 regular season comeback victories and may have had more if not for questionable officiating.
So, where should I begin drooling over this team’s success? Shall it be the offense, the defense, the special teams or the coaching? Although I sway more towards the coaching (and Brady), I admit I am not an X’s and O’s guy; nor, do I pretend to be. I base my opinions on what I see on T.V. and from what I read and from who I talk too.
So, let’s highlight the offense--Brady’s Praetorian Guard--the recent protectors of his Roman empire.
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Brady loses his top 5 receivers from last season (Gronkowski, Hernandez, Woodhead, Lloyd and Welker) and still almost squeaks into the top 10 in touchdown passes. He loses his top 5 receivers from last season and DOES manage to top out at number 7 in total passing yards and yards per game. You wonder why teams fall when they are purged of great talent? They don't have a quarterback with the testicular fortitude and skill to put a shorthanded team on his back.
Yet, this brings me to my big question as the playoffs near. Testicular fortitude and skill aside--Brady's never lacked either--what should we make of their questionable supporting cast? The last season New England lugged less offensive talent around the United States came in 2006 when they relied on the sure-handed (insert sarcastic joke here) Reche Caldwell and Doug Gabriel. Interestingly enough they also had the same 12-4 regular season record. New England went to the AFC Championship, but faltered when Caldwell dropped a would-be first down and touchdown pass against the Colts.
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We began the 2013 season asking if the Patriots' rookie receivers could step up. In 16 games, the 2006 and 2013 receiving core (minus Julien Edelmen) have almost identical statistics. Here is the kicker: Ironically enough this year, the Patriots can actually rely on their receivers such as Julien Edelmen and Danny Amendola. More so their young receivers have more upside than the 2006 squad. Fans know there is a greater chance this young group makes a big play than wash-ups like Caldwell and Gabriel, who failed under the spotlight.
Finally, take comfort in this running game, which is far superior than the 2006 staff. Unlike that year when an aging Corey Dillon and an unproven and eventually worthless Lawrence Maroney manned the backfield, New England is now more stacked at the position.
Say what you want about their ball security issues. Dillon had 5 fumbles in their last championship season to Ridley's 4 in 2013. Hell, even Brady fumbled 7 times in 2004. Turnovers aside, the Patriots don’t have to fear whether their passing game will sputter.
So, is this Patriots' offense championship worthy? I'd say five come back victories makes it worthy enough.
