New England Patriots: Give'Em a Chance

Why is everybody writing off the New England Patriots? 

Yes, they have the second worst "total defense" in the league. Yes, they've lost three straight playoff games. And yes, they've gone one-and-done in the playoffs two years in a row.

People keep talking about how bad their defense is. According to them, not even Tom Brady could win a Super Bowl with that sorry bunch.

Here's a question: Could Aaron Rodgers?

His defense is every bit as bad as New England's.

The 15-1 Green Bay Packers are the safest bet to win the Super Bowl. They won it all last year, Aaron Rodgers is the league's MVP, and if it weren't for a pesky Kansas City Chiefs team, they would still be perfect. 

But their defense sucks.

The Packers gave up 411.6 yards per game, as opposed to the Patriots who gave up 411.1. This places them last, and second to last in the league.

But when it comes to points allowed, both teams are in the middle of the pack. New England gives up 21.4 points per game, which ranks them fifteenth, and Green Bay gives up 22.4, which ranks them nineteenth.

The Packers do have more takeaways than New England (38-34), but they're first and third in that category. Not too shabby.

Statistically, these defenses are identical.So why are the Packers considered so much better than the Patriots?

Is it the quarterbacking?

The better season belongs to Rodgers, but Brady was right behind him. Rodgers threw for 4,643 yards, 45 touchdowns and six interceptions, while Brady threw for 5,235 yards, 39 touchdowns and twelve interceptions.

Then it must be the rushing game. 

Neither team rushes the ball much, but their stats are comparable. New England rushed for 110. 3 yards per game and eighteen touchdowns, while Green Bay rushed for 97.4 yards per game and twelve touchdowns. 

So why are people buying Green Bay and selling New England? 

The answer: People trust Green Bay. 

Their Super Bowl victory remains fresh in our minds, their quarterback is the MVP, their players are dancing and crashing through walls in seemingly every commercial, and they almost achieved perfection. 

The Patriots, on the other hand, have betrayed people's trust. Two years ago they took a beating to the Ravens. And last year they choked against the Jets. Not to mention, both games were in Foxborough. 

But that doesn't mean it'll happen again. In fact, Brady is at his best when people doubt him. That's how he transformed from a sixth round pick to a Super Bowl MVP. The doubt is what fuels him. And now that he has it back, watch out.

On paper, the Patriots and Packers could be twins. They're both offensive juggernauts that win despite their lousy defenses. The same goes for the New Orleans Saints. It should go without saying that if you think the Packers can win, then you should trust the Patriots as well. They play the exact same brand of football.

New England might not win it all, but they have as good of a chance as anyone. But keep talking like they don't exist; it'll only make them better.