#nfl-champions

#nfl-champions

The Patriots benefited from one of the softest schedules in recent memory. They have caught more than their fair share of breaks, from injured opponents, to generous calls from the officials, and boneheaded decisions by opposing coaches. Yes, we're looking right at you, Sean Payton. Bet you wish you had those three points you passed up on in the first quarter now, huh?

The New England Patriots got good news on that front when it comes to Drake Maye's banged-up throwing shoulder. Lindsay Jones reported that Maye not only practiced in full on Wednesday, but took every first-team rep. That's a good sign that Maye, after taking most of last week off, will be about as close to 100 percent as possible entering his 21st game of the season.

The New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks faced off in Super Bowl XLIX in 2015, a memorable matchup the Patriots won 28-24. With a second-and-goal at New England's 1-yard-line late in the fourth quarter, Seattle quarterback Russell Wilson was intercepted by Malcolm Butler in one of the more shocking Super Bowl moments. The Seahawks did not reach the Super Bowl since that matchup until this season.

Instead, with the Seahawks trailing 28-24 and 26 seconds to play, offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell with the authorization of coach Pete Carroll called for a quick slant pass from quarterback Russell Wilson to wide receiver Ricardo Lockette. New England safety Malcolm Butler got there first with an interception at the 1. The Patriots (15-4) won their fourth of six Lombardi Trophies under coach Bill Belichick and quarterback Tom Brady.

He was selected by the Patriots in the fourth round of the 2019 draft and started a grand total of zero games for them. There were some mitigating factors such as backing up Tom Brady in his first season in the NFL. But when Cam Newton came to town in 2020, he was the backup Brian Hoyer's backup so New England clearly didn't think too highly of him.

He's been balling, Hawkins said of Woodson, who led the NFL with 30 postseason tackles. I'm so proud of him, especially to see his growth throughout the season and knowing him since he was a freshman in college. Coming into this league, starting off the jump as a rookie. I'm proud of him. I respect the hell out of him. He's my brother.

No, ESPN does not hate the Patriots. Wait, check that for a second. Rex Ryan definitely hates the Patriots. Give him some grace on that. The man coached the Jets for six years. You have no idea what that does to the soul. Some might also add Cam Newton to the Patriot Haters Club, since he seems to have a terrible take on something going on in Foxborough every time he appears on "First Take" or its ilk.

The Bills have obviously been one of the NFL's best and most successful teams over the last eight years, going toe-to-toe with Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC. But even though they've had a ton of regular season success, and Josh Allen has even taken home some significant hardware as the reigning MVP, they haven't been able to get over the proverbial playoff hump.