5 reasons Patriots can win the Super Bowl this year

4. Timing is everything

At times this past season, the team was reminiscent of the franchise’s first championship squad in 2001. It defied the numbers in many regards and made the most out of its own opportunities as well as taking advantage of their opponent’s miscues. That club epitomized “bend but don’t break.” That year, the Patriots finished 24th in the NFL in total yards allowed per game. But only five teams in the league surrendered fewer points that season.

During New England’s postseason run in ’01, Bill Belichick’s team defeated the Oakland Raiders, Pittsburgh Steelers and St. Louis Rams on the way to a title. It limited those opponents to 13, 17 and 17 points, respectively. In each of those victories, the Patriots scored only one offensive touchdowns. In the combined three wins, the team scored three TDs on defense and special teams. And the Pats got a sensational year from ageless kicker Adam Vinatieri.

In 2018, the New England Patriots finished 21st in the NFL in total yards allowed per game. The club was a so-so 11th vs. the run and 22nd in passing yardage allowed. The team totaled only 30 sacks, tied for the second-fewest in the league this past season. But Belichick and company allowed the seventh-fewest points in the NFL. There were 28 takeaways during the regular season and three more in the playoffs. And when it was all said and done, they held a Rams’ team that was the second-highest scoring team in the league in ’18 to only three points.

Sometimes the overall numbers can be a little deceiving. The Patriots have perfected situational football. And the results over the years speak for themselves.

Next: No. 3