It only took seven seasons for the New England Patriots to get back to the Super Bowl.
For the winningest franchise in the NFL, those years felt like an eternity. But for the rest of the league, they're left wondering how.
Well, a top-five offence and defence is a good start. Having the MVP runner-up in second-year quarterback Drake Maye doesn't hurt, either.
But for as good as the season has gone in Foxborough, the Pats are set for a Super Bowl XLIX rematch against the Seattle Seahawks.
Also sporting top units on both sides of the ball, the Seahawks pose the biggest challenge the Patriots have faced this year.
With that being said, here are some keys to victory for the Patriots on their quest for a seventh title.
Keys for Patriots' offence: pound the rock
While the Patriots' offence was utterly dominant during the regular season, the unit has struggled in the post-season — albeit against three top defences.
But their job won't be any easier in the Super Bowl against a ferocious Seahawks squad that covers, stops the run and gets after the quarterback as good as any team.
According to Next Gen Stats, Seattle's defence was the lone unit this season to have six players register 30-plus quarterback pressures, and as good as Maye is facing pressure — he led the league with 103.3 passer rating — finding success on the ground will be key.
New England's running game became a major weapon over the second half of the season despite being an area of concern over the first nine weeks. They leaned on five-year veteran Rhamondre Stevenson and rookie second-rounder TreVeyon Henderson running behind heavier personnel.
Over the first half of the year, the Pats' running backs averaged a mere 3.8 yards-per carry — good for seventh-worst. But a mid-season change by new Assistant Coach of the Year Josh McDaniels saw the team deploy an extra lineman (sometimes DT Khyiyis Tonga) far more frequently, leading to the team averaging a league-high 5.5 yards-per carry and 7.9 yards-per carry in those jumbo packages.
The Seahawks use extra defensive back sets more than any other unit in the league, leaving them with six or less players up near the line of scrimmage — also known as a light box.
For McDaniels and co., using heavy personnel sets against a Seahawks defence that ranks 31st in stacked box rate could not only result in big rushing gains, but also open up the deep shots as they force Seattle to go away from two deep safeties (The Seahawks are first in two deep safety rate.)
Keys for Patriots' defence: Limit Jaxon Smith-Njigba's impact
How do you stop Offensive Player of the Year winner Smith-Njigba?
Well, you don't. Even with a defence as stout as the Patriots.
But you can contain him, and that will be key for the Pats as they look to bring the Lombardi Trophy back to Foxborough for the first time since 2019.
Luckily for New England, they employ one of the games top cornerbacks in young star Christian Gonzalez.
The 23-year-old, who was voted as the sixth-best CB by executives, coaches and scouts prior to the season, enjoyed a stellar campaign that saw him earn his first Pro Bowl nod.
But his game has elevated to another level in the post-season, allowing a 39.0 passer rating when targeted – a lower figure than a QB gets for tossing the ball into the stands on every play.
He's also been targeted a playoff-high 28 times, allowing just 11 grabs. Since the 2018 post-season, his 39.3 completion percentage allowed is the lowest of any player to face 25-plus targets.
But, Gonzalez didn't follow the opposing team's No. 1 WR on every play. That's not saying he can't – he often did last year – but it would require the Patriots to move away from a successful formula.
Part of that is having a No. 2 cover corner, who while doesn't get the same recognition as Gonzalez, has been straight up dominant this post-season.
Carlton Davis has been a nightmare for opposing offences, picking off two passes and recording four passes defenced while opposing QBs have a passer rating of 21.4 when going at the 29-year-old.
He also knows what it takes to win a Super Bowl, taking home a ring as a member of the 2020 Buccaneers championship squad.
The Seahawks aren't low on offensive playmakers, but Davis and Gonzalez slowing down the top option can help the Pats' front seven get to work.
Patriots X-factor: CB/PR Marcus Jones
As important as Gonzalez and Davis are to slowing down Smith-Njigba and the high-powered Seahawks passing attack, Marcus Jones may play the biggest role.
Jones is one of the best playmakers in football, and his elite athleticism gives him more versatility than almost any other defensive back in football.
The 27-year-old is New England's punt returner, and while that's not uncommon for DBs, it's the fact he's lined up on offence that makes him unique in today's NFL.
While he didn't receive a touch this season, Jones has lined up at running back and receiver over his career, even scoring a TD in 2022.
As a return man, Jones has taken three to the house over his four-year career, and his 14.3 yards-per punt return is the best mark in NFL history.
Jones is a game-changer with the ball in his hands, so you'd think it's unfortunate that he's on the defensive side of the ball. Wrong. He's got six interceptions over his career, plus one this post-season, and has taken two back for six.
This season alone, Jones posted three picks, one for a score, two sacks and two punt return TDs.
But here's where he could really impact the game. Covering Smith-Njigba.
With Gonzalez and Davis manning the outside, the Seahawks may opt to move their star away from the top cover guys and right into Jones' lap.
Smith-Njigba led the league in both yards receiving on the outside and in the slot this season, becoming the first player to do so in the Next Gen Stats era (since 2015).
He's a tough cover for anyone, but a fast, instinctive ball hawk could make life difficult and with Jones' playmaking skills, truly turn the tides of the game with one play.
