Tom Brady and the New England Patriots are flying this season – it is almost impossible to envision a Super Bowl without Bill Belichick’s side right now. The Patriots are sitting pretty at the top of the AFC East, winning seven of their eight games so far this season. It’s an achievement made all the more impressive when you remember that Brady was suspended for the first four weeks of the season.
Since returning to the starting line-up, Brady has been on another level. In fact, the 39-year-old is performing at a career-high rate; a sensational achievement to say the least. As of Week 9, he is averaging over 329 yards and three touchdowns per game and the future Hall of Famer has an outrageous passer rating of 133.9. If he keeps up this pace, Brady hasto be a shoo-in for the regular season MVP award despite missing the first four games. Although, Matt Ryan of the Atlanta Falcons could push him close if he continues to break offensive records in the NFC South.
But it isn’t all down to Brady’s individual skill. Belichick’s planning and relentless nature on the training field, and in the locker room, also gives New England a cutting edge. Along with a winning mentality that most franchises don’t have. The six-time Super Bowl champion has been there and done it all. He will go down in history as one of, if not the, greatest head coaches of all-time.
One of his smartest moves this season was bringing tight-end Martellus Bennett to the Gillette Stadium. The former Chicago Bears star has adjusted quickly to life at New England and the Patriots are reaping the rewards from their two tight end sets. This is a key reason as to why Brady has enjoyed so much success in the first half of the campaign. With Rob Gronkowski and Bennett, the Patriots now have two competent blockers and pass catchers at tight end; they are virtually impossible to cover in the red zone.
So, who can stop them? In the AFC, it is proving difficult to find a genuine contender. At the start of the campaign, many believed that the Pittsburgh Steelers would challenge, but Mike Tomlin’s men are struggling to find consistency at Heinz Field. Meanwhile, defending Super Bowl champions the Denver Broncos are trailing the Oakland Raiders in the AFC West. And Jack del Rio’s side or even the Kansas City Chiefs could be there or thereabouts.
At the time of writing, the Patriots are 2/1 to win the Super Bowl in bet365 American football betting markets. It is hard to back against Belichick’s side on current form. While they traded elite linebacker Jamie Collins to the Cleveland Browns, New England’s unique mentality of “next man up” will ensure that they remain competitive for the remainder of the campaign. The Patriots always seem to find a unique way to remain competitive, even if they appear weaker on paper.
Tom Brady and Bill Belichick may be getting older but they are showing no signs of letting up. That is why New England look well placed to secure yet another Super Bowl ring in February.
