How The New England Patriots Title Run Started In The Off-Season

Dec 7, 2014; San Diego, CA, USA; New England Patriots cornerback Darrelle Revis (24) in the field during the second quarter against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

Nobody truly understands the concept of the idea that every NFL off-season is important.  There are few other sports where a team can go from the basement of their league to championship contention in the space of a few months.  Thought the New England Patriots were already a proven playoff team, they had not won a championship for ten years.

So what was different about the 2015 off-season.  Here is an overview of their key moves that changed the formula and brought home their fourth Lombardi trophy.

Free Agency

Re-signed Julian Edelman

For a brief stretch of time it looked like the Patriots would part ways with Julian Edelman, but they brought him back and are so grateful they did.  He produced 972 yards and four touchdowns, the second-best season of his career and was their best weapon in the Super Bowl with 109 yards and the decisive touchdown.

Re-signed Patrick Chung

In a secondary teaming with heroes, it’s easy to miss the contributions made by Patrick Chung, another one the Patriots were able to retain.  He made 85 tackles on the season and was one of their best run defenders.

Darrelle Revis

By far the biggest and most important signing of the entire off-season for New England was when they brought in All-Pro cornerback Darrelle Revis.  He instantly became their best corner and provided them an ability to lock down any receiver they needed to.  His numbers were modest, but his impact was incalculable.

Brandon Browner

Another key free agent corner they were able to scoop up was Brandon Browner.  A former Pro Bowler, he had a few run-ins with league policy, resulting in a suspension.  Though he was good once he did start playing, his true value didn’t show up until the Super Bowl when the Patriots were able to switch him over to guard Seahawks surprise sensation Chris Matthews, a 6’5″ monstrosity that was torching New England for over half the game.  Once the 6’4″ Browner started shadowing him though, he disappeared.

Brandon LaFell

Sometimes it’s not about signing the superstars in free agency.  It’s about getting the bargains who serve the exact purpose needed.  Brandon LaFell isn’t a highlight reel kind of  receiver, but he gave the Patriots what they needed which was more size on the outside for Tom Brady.  His 953 yards and seven touchdowns were both career highs.

LeGarrette Blount

Another thing to remember about free agency is it never ends.  Players are coming and going through it all season long and it’s a matter of finding the right pieces at the right time they’re available.  New England has developed a mastery of this, as they proved when they added LeGarrette Blount to their running game after he was cut by Pittsburgh.  While he was good for them down the stretch, it was his 148 yards and three touchdown against Indianapolis in the AFC championship that showed his value the most.