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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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#2: The Return 

Nov 8, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots running back Dion Lewis (33) carries the ball during the first quarter against the Washington Redskins at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 8, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots running back Dion Lewis – Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports /

During the 2015 season, the Patriots were the only playoff team with more than 185 games lost by injury, (245) according to ManGamesLost.com. They lost key players such as FB James Develin (Went on IR after final preseason game), RT Nate Solder (Went on IR after Week 5), and RB Dion Lewis (Went on IR after Week 9) early in the season and had multiple players miss games with a short-term injury.

As much as injuries impacted this team, the next man up was in full effect and the Patriots finished the season 12-4 and made it to the AFC Championship game. Had certain injuries not happened, they easily could’ve had a better record, and the outcome to the season would’ve resulted differently.

It’s inevitable for teams to not suffer an injuries to an important players. But looking ahead to the 2016 season, if New England can remain healthy enough, this team will be one to reckon with and should be at the top of the conference again.

Next: Tom Terrific

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