In the heyday of the New England Patriots, Bill Belichick never liked to take stock in power rankings. Numbers and analytics are useful for fans and even the media, but players know that games are not played on paper.
But is it time to start taking this group of Patriots seriously as a serious contender? FOX Sports' Bucky Brooks tends to think so.
In the aftermath of New England's sixth straight win - a gritty 24-23 decision against the Atlanta Falcons - Brooks has the Patriots second in his power rankings, with the defending champion Philadelphia Eagles the lone team in front of the Patriots. New England jumped five spots from last week.
"It is always gritty, not pretty, when it comes to the Patriots. Mike Vrabel’s squad finds various ways to win behind emerging quarterback Drake Maye and a scrappy defense. The Patriots’ exceptional execution of complementary football gives them a chance to knock off superior squads in the postseason tournament."
Brooks hit the nail right on the head. The Patriots aren't the sexy team like the division rival Bills are, but they find ways to get it done, and in the case of Sunday's win over the Falcons, when things aren't going right. That was a game the Patriots would've certainly lost the last few years.
Patriots keep earning their spots among the NFL's juggernauts with gritty play
Every time I watch this Patriots' team, I get flashbacks to 2001.
No, I'm not comparing Drake Maye to Tom Brady. That's unfair. But the makeup and mentality of this team mirrors that of New England's first championship team.
These Patriots play gritty, complementary football. Maye is a second-year quarterback with superstar potential. The Patriots' defense is a blue-collar unit resembling the attitude of their head coach. It's no accident that the unit has yet to allow a 100-yard rusher this season.
There is a lot of season remaining and the Bills are breathing right down the Patriots' necks in both the power rankings and in the AFC East. But if the Patriots keep focusing on what has gotten them here, they'll certainly have a glorious chance to knock off teams that are better in terms of talent come postseason time.