The New England Patriots were riding high coming off their fourth Super Bowl victory in franchise history, but the "Deflategate" scandal as cast a dark shadow over the franchise heading into next season. Even though quarterback Tom Brady has been suspended for the first four games of the season, here's why the Patriots can still win the Super Bowl:
3) It's just four games...and will probably be less
Playing without Tom Brady will be strange for the Patriots and their fans at the start of the season, but losing him for four games won't have too much impact on New England's year. They'll face the Steelers, Bills, Jaguars, and Cowboys in that stretch, and it's very realistic to think the Patriots can salvage a 2-2 record in that time frame - which is the same record they had after four games last year.
Brady is also appealing the suspension, and many think it will be reduced to one or two games, which would obviously be great for New England.
2) New additions
The Patriots got a mixed-bag draft, but Malcom Brown is going to be a massive space-eater and double-team magnet on the defense to replace Vince Wilfork and Tre’ Jackson should have an immediate impact on the offensive line despite being drafted in the 4th round. Add in the free agent signings of tight ends Scott Chandler and Fred Davis with cornerbacks Bradley Fletcher and Robert McClain, and New England did a great job of getting players to fill their needs.
1) Bill Belichick
Belichick has led the Patriots to the playoffs in 12 of his 15 years at the helm, and has been to six Super Bowls, winning four - more than anyone else currently in the league. He’s turned New England into a machine that somehow puts a championship contender on the field year after year, despite losing key players seemingly every year.
"Deflategate" will undoubtedly give Belichick all of the motivation he needs to get the most out of his players, and there's no reason to think the Patriots won't be playing at a high level in the postseason.
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