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5 Reasons Why the Patriots will be in SB51

By Jaydeen Allen

Jan 24, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) reacts as he leaves the field following the game against the Denver Broncos in the AFC Championship football game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 24, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) reacts as he leaves the field following the game against the Denver Broncos in the AFC Championship football game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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#4 Growth of the Defense 

Dec 27, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New England Patriots outside linebacker Jamie Collins (91) and New England Patriots cornerback Logan Ryan (26) celebrate a fumble return for a touchdown by Collins
Dec 27, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New England Patriots outside linebacker Jamie Collins (91) and New England Patriots cornerback Logan Ryan (26) celebrate a fumble return for a touchdown by Collins /

Heading into the 2015 season, there was talk about the how players such as DT Vince Wilfork and CB Darrelle Revis were allowed to walk in free agency and sign with other teams. There were people that questioned Bill Belichick (which is a question in itself) and predicted this team to struggle throughout the season.

Months later, we come to find that the cornerback and defensive tackle positions were more than okay. In fact, both CBs Malcolm Butler (81.2) and Logan Ryan (85.3) were graded higher than Darrelle Revis (79.7) on Pro Football Focus for run and pass snaps.

Not only was their secondary’s performance surprising, but the Patriots pass rush (when healthy) showed signs of promising dominance in the future with DT Malcolm Brown and Dominique Easley beside LBs Dont’a Hightower and Jamie Collins.

Also, thanks to unnecessary criticism from media outlets and former players about Deflategate and the Patriots’ “cheating ways”, it helped create a deeper bond between players.

This looks to be a tight unit that should improve with new additions through the draft and/or free agency.

Next: A Dynamic Offense

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