The New England Patriots have a significant target on their backs following yet another Super Bowl victory and yet another cheating scandal. Yet despite the controversy that swirls around the organization, they still remain the team to beat in both the NFL and in the AFC East division.
Although the AFC East is filled with top notch players - Ndamukong Suh, Rob Gronkowski, Mario Williams, Darrelle Revis, etc. - only one player appears to be the clear cut favorite to be the division's MVP in 2015.
"Tom Brady is the choice," ESPN's Mike Reiss wrote. "In a season where Brady could be serving as long as a four-game suspension, his value to the Patriots will be in the spotlight. Watching him in organized team activities (OTAs), he looks as good at 37 as he did at 27. The accuracy is still pinpoint and the arm strength is there to make almost every throw. Brady and backup Jimmy Garoppolo split repetitions about 50-50 during OTAs but it was clear that Brady is still leading the way. That is a credit to him and his year-round dedication to his craft, and also not the news that AFC East foes waiting for his time to pass want to hear."
Brady was initially given a four-game suspension following the events of DeflateGate. However, Brady has since appealed that decision and a ruling on the matter is due shortly.
Even if the future Hall of Fame QB does miss a few games, it's not as if he hasn't overcome adversity before. The Patriots got off to a flat 2-2 start last season with many NFL analysts claiming that Brady was past his prime. He ended up throwing for 4,109 yards with 33 touchdowns against just nine interceptions while completing 64.1 percent of his passes that season. His 97.4 passer rating was good for fifth best in the league and his fourth Super Bowl championship (and third Super Bowl MVP) beg to differ with the critics.
If healthy and back from suspension before too long, Patriots fans can expect another stellar year from Brady.
