Patriots Continue to Make People Wonder

Bewilderment. It was all over the faces of the Chargers and probably everyone who was watching the game Sunday on TV. NFL fans outside of New England have had that look about them for seven seasons now. People see Brady, Belichick, and a bunch of unknowns and wonder, how in hell are they in yet another AFC Championship?

The System

It starts with the coach and the quarterback but it doesn't end there. They stay below the cap, bring in players who do not get in trouble with the law and understand it's a team game; there is no room for superstar egos. The Patriots look for players who can grasp the huge playbook and can adapt to changes on the fly quickly. To fight off the injury bug they stock their practice squads with players able and ready to step in at a moment's notice.

Their system of unselfishness and winning ways helps them get personnel too. Tops on the list of most players is a Super Bowl ring, and New England is perennially one of the favorite destinations, especially ones like a Corey Dillon.

During almost every year of the run the team has had since the magical season of 2001, they have faced huge hurdles. In 2003 it was the sudden cutting of SS Lawyer Malloy. 2004 saw more injuries, causing Bill to turn to longtime receiver Troy Brown for help in the secondary. 2005 was the scariest of all when defensive captain Tedy Bruschi had a stroke and thoughts turned to something more important then football. This year was a tale of turnover. By the time the opening kickoff happened, the Patriots had a new kicker and a new receiving corps. Injuries to key players kept their usual grip on the team. And there they are, a game away from the Super Bowl.

The Coach

If you'll notice Bill Parcells hasn't done as well in the postseason without his old defensive coordinator. The other Bill has won three Super Bowls, and made the playoffs five times in his tenure as the coach of the Patriots. Coincidence? Maybe or maybe not. He finds a way to win, always coming up with a game plan designed to counter the strengths of the team. And when it isn't working he makes adjustments. Sunday they threw away the plan after the first quarter and it helped them win. If Bill didn't do that, the Patriots would be booking their tee times for this weekend.

The Confidence

Tom Brady had orchestrated a fourth quarter comeback 22 times going into Sunday's game against the Chargers. He made it #23 with an amazing drive tying the game with three minutes to go. The offensive players on the team constantly rave about Brady's coolness when the game is on the line and they feed off it.

The Professionalism

You could never hold Festivus for this squad, they keep their grievances internal. Rookies are not allowed to speak to the media and the veteran players never give the opposing teams' bulletin board material. Yesterday the coach responded to Tomlinson's criticism of a lack of class by complimenting him. This team's image is all about taking the high road.

The Luck

The Pats seem to have rabbit shoes shown into their uniforms but it's more then that. They manufacture luck. In every win there is always that element, but New England is the best at putting themselves into the position to take advantage of the opportunities luck provides.

People look at the Patriots and wonder. It's no surprise really.