With just three games left in the regular season it’s strange to still feel like we don’t quite know who the 2015 Patriots are. No, that will be defined by the team they put on the field in January, and whether or no Julian Edelman and LeGarrette Blount are on the field, and in what capacity, will play a large part in the Patriots’ fate.
The AFC has been leveled by injuries this year so picking a Super Bowl favorite isn’t easy. If you want to learn how to bet on Super Bowl 2016 or just wager online in general check out www.Betting-Super-Bowl.com which is our favorite Superbowl information site.
If the Patriots attain homefield advantage, it’s hard not to call them the favorites in the conference. The strange thing is that with so much uncertainty on offense, it’s now the defense that is the signature side of the ball for this team, and likely who will have to make the biggest plays this post season if the Pats are to make a run at repeating.
Against the Texans, the Patriots defense looked as good in all aspects as we’ve seen this season, and really this is probably their best defense since late 2003/early 2004. Now yes, it was against Brian Hoyer, but it wasn’t too long ago where almost every team the Pats faced put up over 300 yards passing.
Now, even without Dont’a Hightower, this group seems to be getting better each week. Malcolm Butler and Logan Ryan are playing as good at cornerback as we’ve seen in these parts outside of Darrelle Revis last season. The front seven are getting consistent pressure, and Jabaal Sheard is a certified finisher.
Yes, they’ll give up a few big plays a game, but they never blink and the big plays only make them compete harder. Simply put, this is a defense that should be clicking on all cylinders as January hits. They are primed for a playoff run.
This is a throwback to the early dynasty days, when Tom Brady only had to manage the offense and not turn the ball over. He didn’t need to put 30-plus points up every game as was the case in 2010-2013.
But if Edelman returns to game action and is close to the player he was before his broken foot, the Patriots should be clear favorites to represent the AFC in Super Bowl 50.
