Patriots Road to Super Bowl

A four-game suspension for star quarterback Tom Brady (because of Deflategate) did not cause much trouble for New England as they went 3-1 without him. Backup quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (who got injured in week two) and third-string quarterback Jacoby Brissett were more than serviceable. Tight end Rob Gronkowski, the Patriots leading receiver in the 2015-2016 season, missed the first three games with a hamstring injury, as well.

Once Brady returned, the Patriots went on a tear, going 11-1 with Brady at QB. He posted an incredible 28:2 touchdown-to-interception ratio. Running back Legarrette Blount emerged as one of the league’s best, leading the NFL with 18 rushing touchdowns. The Patriots come into the Super Bowl having won nine straight games, including two dominant wins over the Houston Texans and Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC Divisional Round and Conference Championship, respectively.