5 reasons the Patriots' offense will be unstoppable down the stretch

The New England Patriots surprised the NFL through the first month of the season, grabbing a 3-1 record without the services of Tom Brady.

Now that Brady is back and elusive runner Dion Lewis has been activated from the PUP list, the Patriots' (7-1) offense is ready to light the field on fire in their eight-game stretch towards the playoffs.

The 3-headed monster

With Lewis back in the mix, Bill Belichick has said that he still intends to use James White in the receiving game. Lewis was a perfect fit for the New England offense last season, but it's been the bruising style of LeGarrette Blount that has flourished this year. The 250-pound runner leads the NFL in rushing touchdowns with nine. The mix of styles between Blount, Lewis, and White will make life difficult for any opposing defense.

Double trouble at tight end

Only nine tight ends have at least 400 yards receiving this season and two of them play for the Pats.

Both Rob Gronkowski and Martellus Bennett are athletic freaks who have stayed true to their position, matching superb receiving skills with hard-nosed blocking. The ability to line up two tight ends and be just as dangerous to run the ball as they are to pass it is a luxury few - if any - teams have.

Favorable schedule

As the No. 1-rated team in the league, New England shouldn't be underdogs in any of its remaining contests. After Sunday night's contest with the Seattle Seahawks, the Patriots have just one game against a 2015 playoff team on their schedule.

With two games against the imploding New York Jets, a homecoming affair for Brady against the San Francisco 49ers, and a finale in Miami versus a troubled secondary, the offense will have enough easy outings to be well oiled for their few quality opponents.

Countless personnel combinations

If you're an opposing defense and the Patriots bring out two tight ends, two receivers, and a running back, there's really no right answer to respond with. Because of Gronkowski and Bennett's ability to block just as well as they can receiving and Lewis's versatility, the Pats could use that personnel to come out in a run-heavy formation or an empty set.

Add in Julian Edelman lining up anywhere (possibly including quarterback) and Chris Hogan always being open, the capacity for opposing teams to have any idea what the Patriots are about to hit them with goes right out the window.

Tom Brady being Tom Brady

Let's be honest, while the team did just fine without him, the scariest thing about the Patriots' offense is Brady.

No. 12 has been an absolute animal since returning from his suspension, racking up a dozen touchdowns with no picks through four games. His mini-vacation appears to have re-motivated and rejuvenated the four-time Super Bowl winner, who is as focused as ever to become the first quarterback to win a full hand of rings.