NFL Playoffs: Each team's X-factor and red flag

NFL Playoffs: Each team’s X-factor and red flag

Dec 28, 2014; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick (center) picks up his red flag on the field against the Buffalo Bills in the second half at Gillette Stadium. Buffalo Bills defeated the Patriots 17-9. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports /

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Jan 10, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) smiles from the field after the 2014 AFC Divisional playoff football game against the Baltimore Ravens at Gillette Stadium. The Patriots won 35-31. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports /

If the Patriots hope to win, their defense needs to deliver.

New England Patriots X Factor

We could go in several different directions here: championship caliber defense, a stout running game, domination of both lines of scrimmage.

But this one is very simple. It comes down to Tom Brady.

Tom Brady has all the ability, as evidenced by his 3-2 record in the Super Bowl. He also has all the elements in place this season, with a dominant rushing attack and a defense that flies around and makes plays. The roster has been largely rebuilt since the Patriots last appeared in the Super Bowl, bringing more toughness and grit to a team that forgot how to use those advantages.

By all accounts, Brady is the most competitive quarterback maybe in the history of the league. The level of desire is never in question. His two Super Bowl losses exposed flaws in the team’s roster. It’s clear this season that Brady is on a mission to erase those memories and remind the league who’s the king of the hill.

New England has its swagger back, and is looking to repeat the results from their meeting with the Colts earlier this year.

New England Patriots Red Flag

Much like their X Factor, the Red Flag for the Patriots is more intangible: can they live up to the pressure they put on themselves to win it all? They have a talent advantage over Indianapolis, despite the Colts’ young quarterback who’s itching to steal the crown.

The offense is dominant. The defense is able to shut down each opponent’s strength. The coaching staff is among the best in the business.

The Patriots must regain their dominant, us against the world attitude and make the league fear them. It’s what they did in their Super Bowl winning seasons. It’s what the Seahawks did last year. It’s time for Belichick, Brady, Gronk and company to overcome the pressure and bring it home.

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