Super Bowl Predictions 2012: Why Patriots Will Add Another Lombardi Trophy

The New England Patriots will be hoisting their fourth Lombardi trophy following the 2012 Super Bowl. And they will do so after they were not on many lists as favorites to win the Super Bowl as the season wound to a close and the playoffs began.

However, the Patriots secured the No. 1 seed in the AFC and after two rounds of the playoffs, they have shown that they are the class of the NFL. 

A large part of the reason of the reason the Patriots have been an afterthought is the fact that their defense is awful. They finished the season ranked 31st in defense.

Their defense has made some strides though, and that will be just enough to allow their offense to carry them to the title.

Improved Defense

At the root of New England's defensive problems is their struggles with pass defense. They have been playing with a patchwork secondary full of castoffs, and they spent the majority of the season getting torched.

They finished the year ranked 27th in yards allowed per pass at 7.5. However, over their past three games, they have allowed a very respectable 6.3 yards per pass. For some perspective, three teams tied for fifth in the NFL allowing 6.3 yards per pass.

The Patriots have done a much better job of tightening up their coverage, but what has really helped them is an improved pass-rush. Over their last three games, the Patriots have a sack percentage of 10.34. That would easily lead the league if it was for the season.

A good pass-rush can make up for a lot of coverage woes. And all of this will allow for the Patriots offense to take over games.

Unstoppable Offense

What has never been questioned about this Patriots team is the fact that they can move the ball and score points.

New England's offense has been a powerhouse from Week 1, and there are no signs of it slowing down. In fact, they are getting better.

Their three highest-scoring games have come in their last four contests. In those four games, Tom Brady has thrown 12 touchdown passes to just two interceptions.

Brady is a man possessed. He is an elite QB on a mission, and—with the help of a little defense—he will not be denied.