These guys just keep showing up in January. They’re making an eighth straight appearance in the conference title game, having reached this stage of the NFL playoffs for the 13th time in the Tom Brady/Bill Belichick era. In advance of Sunday’s game at Kansas City, a closer look at the Patriots:
The Patriots are lovable underdogs. Well, that’s how receiver Julian Edelman is framing New England’s latest appearance in the AFC title game. Whether that angle is plausible or not to fans wishing for some variety in the NFL playoffs, the fact remains that the Patriots have figured out a way to stay in Super Bowl contention year after year.