Three Pivotal Moments In The Patriots Run To The Super Bowl
Bryan Altman, CBS Local Sports
What an unbelievable conclusion to an incredible season. The regular season brought highs and lows, but they persevered, What once seemed like a fleeting dream, has become a reality, largely in part to these huge moments that set the New England Patriots on a course for Super Bowl glory.
1. Kansas City 41, New England 14:
Remember that fateful day in late September when the New England Patriots dynasty came to an abrupt end at the hands of the Kansas City Chiefs? Me Neither. But after getting demolished by the Chiefs 41-14 and dropping to 2-2 on the season the Patriots found themselves at an early season crossroads. From there they picked themselves up, dusted themselves off, and throttled the division-leading Cincinnati Bengals 43-17 to begin a seven-game winning streak that put them in the driver’s seat in the AFC.
2. Denver 21, New England 43:
What may been the final meeting between two of the greatest quarterbacks of all-time was a vital one for the New England Patriots 2014 season. With Denver and Peyton Manning still considered by many to be the favorites in the AFC, this was as big of a statement game as the Patriots have needed to answer in recent memory. Defeating Denver before their bye week clearly provided the Patriots with the belief that they can defeat anyone in the AFC when playoff time arrived.
3. LeGarrette Blount Signing:
When Stevan Ridley went down with a season-ending knee injury in week six the Patriots rushing attack once again adopted a running back by committee approach. One week Jonas Gray starred, then he missed practice and hasn’t been heard from since. LeGarrette Blount has provided stability in the backfield and his abusing power-rushing style mirrors that of Marshawn Lynch’s. Shane Vereen has long been a tremendous pass-catching back for Tom Brady, but hasn't been able to produce for the Patriots in the running game with any sort of regularity. Blount's stats aren't exactly gaudy, but his impact has been huge, especially in the AFC Championship game when he gashed the Colts for 153 yards and three touchdowns.
