The New England Patriots could reclaim their crown as the team everyone loves to hate if they defeat the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl LX.
New England can set an NFL record by winning its seventh Super Bowl title this Sunday. Although the league got a six-year reprieve, the Patriots have now won 10 AFC titles this century.
As a result, some fans are nervous about Mike Vrabel and Drake Maye kick-starting a new Patriots dynasty. Jordan Dajani of CBS Sports harnessed that resentment to create a “coping guide” for haters rooting against New England on Sunday.
“I have faith you will be able to defeat any bandwagon Patriots fan in the art of discourse as New England loses to Seattle on Sunday,” Dajani wrote in the satirical piece.
Like most other Patriots critics, Dajani started with the schedule. Dajani noted that a combined .391 winning percentage for their opponents gives them the fourth-easiest schedule of any Super Bowl team and the most favorable slate since the 1999 Rams.
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The Patriots had one regular-season victory over a team with a winning record and played 11 games against teams that have made a change at head coach.
“Of course the Patriots went 14-3,” Dajani wrote. “They probably should have gone 16-1, honestly.”
Dajani also claimed that the Patriots enjoyed “a much easier path to the Super Bowl than anyone else.” All of their playoff opponents endured some key injuries, including the Denver Broncos playing the AFC Championship Game without starting quarterback Bo Nix.
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While Dajani also highlighted Maye’s mortal postseason results against elite defenses, he then gave the Patriots credit for their Super Bowl. And of course, the critics “can’t say anything” if they beat the Seahawks this Sunday.
“This Patriots defense has been on fire as well, allowing the fewest points per game through three playoff games (8.7) since the 2000 Ravens, and it’s clear that Vrabel has been quick to create the culture he wants,” Dajani said. “Even on the offensive side, Maye became the youngest quarterback since 1970 to lead the league in completion percentage and yards per attempt, and would become the first quarterback to win a Super Bowl in the season of his first playoff start since … that guy Tom Brady. Maybe the Patriots are here to stay. Maybe it is the start of a new dynasty.”
