5 reasons Patriots can win the Super Bowl this year

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CINCINNATI, OH – DECEMBER 15: Joe Mixon #28 of the Cincinnati Bengals runs the ball as Lawrence Guy #93 of the New England Patriots reaches for the tackle during the first half at Paul Brown Stadium on December 15, 2019 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

3. Improved run defense

It’s always good to take a closer look at the numbers. And final statistics show that no team in the league gave up fewer total yards than the New England Patriots a year ago. Add in the fact that Bill Belichick’s squad surrendered a league-low 225 points and allowed a mere 20 offensive touchdowns and the club’s defensive unit was clearly the team’s strength. Cornerback Stephon Gilmore was the NFL Defensive Player of the Year, the club produced 47 sacks and only the Pittsburgh Steelers (38) finished with more takeaways than the Pats (36).

But starting with a Week 9 home victory over the Browns, New England’s run defense (burned a few times earlier in the year) began to struggle. Including the wild card loss to Tennessee, Bill Belichick’s wound up surrendering a disturbing 120.6 yards per game on the ground in its last 10 outings. In four of those contests, the Patriots allowed at least 150 yards rushing – 200-plus in setbacks to the Ravens and Titans.

During free agency, the club added defensive tackle Beau Allen – a former member of the Eagles but late of the Buccaneers. However, linebackers Dont’a Hightower will not play in 2020 and linebackers Kyle Van Noy, Elandon Roberts and Jamie Collins are now with other teams. All told, it will be a daunting task but…

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