ATLANTA (AP) — The Super Bowls have become a yearly ritual for the New England Patriots under Tom Brady and Bill Belichick.They’re back for the third straight year and the ninth time overall despite a taxing season that seemed doomed after Julian Edelman’s four-game suspension for performance-enhancers Authentic Kendarius Webster Jersey , a 1-2 start to the regular season, various injuries and the arrival and abrupt departure of Josh Gordon.Yet, as they prepare for Sunday’s matchup with the Los Angeles Rams, it’s hard to imagine New England, which is a slight favorite, not walking out of Mercedes-Benz Stadium without their sixth Lombardi Trophy.The reasons begin in the place that matters most: with quarterback Tom Brady.Yes, he’s 41 years old. And yes, he showed some slight signs of decline during his 19th season. But he’s also coming off two impressive playoff wins, which doesn’t bode well for the Rams.He bested Philip Rivers in the divisional round. Then he helped the Patriots overcome their playoff road woes by leading 12th postseason game-winning drive of his career to defeat Patrick Mahomes and Kansas City in the AFC championship game.Brady averaged 267.5 passing yards per game in the postseason before turning 40. Since hitting that milestone Kendarius Webster Jersey Boys , he’s thrown for 364.6 yards per game.“It’s a long season. It’s a lot like climbing a mountain,” Brady said. “You have some really great moments and you have some disappointing things that happen. You gotta kind of figure out your way as you go. The goal is to reach the top and only one team really reaches it.”Linebacker Elandon Roberts said trying to quantify Brady’s impact this season is impossible.“I can make a list, but I might run out of paper,” Roberts saidWhile there have been times during the Patriots’ run of championships in which they have been dependent on Brady’s arm, this season has been notable for the help he’s had and continues to lean on during the postseason.Rookie Sony Michel has reinvigorated the run game, rushing for an NFL rookie record five touchdowns. He’s gotten support from Rex Burkhead (three postseason rushing TDs), James White and even fullback James Develin .It’s added up to fast starts.The Patriots have been outscored 24-3 in the first quarter of their previous eight Super Bowl appearances. They are poised to change that, having outscored the Chargers and Chiefs 49-7 in the first quarter in their first two victories this postseason.The defense has also stepped up. First-time All-Pro Stephon Gilmore has helped steady a secondary that ranked as low as 27th in the NFL against the pass at midseason.There is also the undeniable experience factor that heavily favors New England.This will be the ninth Super Bowl appearance for Belichick and Brady. But it is the third straight for the Patriots overall.Safeties Devin McCourty and Patrick Chung and kicker Stephen Gostkowski are preparing to play in their fifth Super Bowls. And they have 25 players who have appeared in at least two Super Bowls.By comparison, the Rams have only four players on their entire roster that have played in this game.Brady went on the record this week saying there is “zero chance” that he will retire at the end of this season Infant Chase Winovich Jersey , adding his plan is still to play until age 45.“He works, plays hard, he probably will,” Belichick said.While he isn’t thinking about the end anytime soon, Brady said he isn’t taking his latest opportunity for granted either.“I just love it and I love playing,” Brady said. “I think everyone at this point is tired and worn down but at the same time, you have one of the great opportunities in your life. … It’s a very difficult game to win. I’m excited for it.” Three days after being signed, Dielman calls it a career." Patriots NewsNew Patriots OL J.J. Dielman retiresNew,33commentsThree days after being signed Chase Winovich Jersey Draft , Dielman calls it a career.EDTShare this storyShare this on FacebookShare this on TwitterShareAll sharing optionsShareAll sharing options for:New Patriots OL J.J. Dielman retiresTwitterFacebookRedditPocketFlipboardEmailPhoto by George Frey/Getty ImagesOn Friday, the Patriots signed guard J.J. Dielman to their 90-man roster. Three days later, the former Utah Ute is calling it a career as he was moved to the reserve/retired list on Monday afternoon.After being selected in the fifth round of the 2017 draft, the journeyman guard had two stints each with the Bengals and Rams, and also spent time with the Broncos and Seahawks before joining the Patriots last week. Unfortunately, he never dressed for an NFL game.Dielman is the third Patriots offensive lineman to retire this offseason following the retirements of tackle Jared Veldheer and guard Brian Schwenke. Patriots offensive line coach Dante Scarnecchia’s spiciness is obviously in mid-season form.Follow Brian Phillips on Twitter — @BPhillips_SB
