Super Bowl XLIX

The day has finally come. Starting with thirty-two contenders, the NFL has gotten all the way down to the two best teams; The Patriots (A) and The Seahawks (N). Both finished the regular season with 12-4 records and claimed the #1 seeds in their respective conferences. Now after two weeks of anticipation, the big day is finally here.

 How The Patriots Can Win:

          The Seahawks have one of the most formidable defenses the league has ever seen, so New England is bound to have some drives that are short-lived throughout the game. This means that if The Patriots are to win, it will come in large part through the defense. Green Bay came as close as anyone to snapping Seattle’s home winning streak and they did it through defense. The controlled the middle of the field throughout and played the read-option well which kept in between the hashes and neutralized his ability to run. The Packers only got in the end zone once but still came close to victory because they forced turnovers and controlled field position. 

          New England has a strong linebacker core that will need to play well for a chance to win. The Seahawks run from inside out starting with Marshawn Lynch between the tackles which opens up the read option and jet sweep opportunities. If the linebackers can contain beast mode, this will force Seattle to throw the ball where the Patriots elite secondary will come in. The secondary features Darelle Revis, Brandon Browner, Patrick Chung, and Devin McCourty. On the offensive side of theball, the Patriots need to counter Marshawn Lynch with their arsenal running backs. Mixing between the run and pass will keep the strong Seattle defense on their toes. They have run plenty of trick plays this postseason and look for this game to be no different. Rob Gronkowski will be a huge X-factor in this game. he caught only two passes in the last super bowl appearance but his time around he should plenty of targets and possibly some big plays. If New England can control the clock and close out the fourth quarter like they have all season, look for Brady to raise his fourth Lombardi trophy.


How the Seahawks Can Win: 

             Russel Wilson has led his potent offense back to another Super Bowl. Through the leagues top rush attack as well as a strong and efficient passing game. Wilson and company look poised for another ring. If Wilson can play like he did last year, there is no doubt that Seattle will repeat. Wilson played turnover free last year in the Meadowlands, however in the NFC Championship he threw four interceptions. It would be ideal that Marshawn Lynch sets the tone with 10 early carries and 100 yards for the game. This will draw in the Patriots linebackers which will open up the play action game that Wilson executes so well. Because the defense is so talented, two or three strong drives resulting points could be enough so it is key for Russel Wilson to manage the game and the clock like he has done throughout his career.
          If the offense can set the tone, the defense can do what they have done all year; shut teams down. The legion of boom held everyone who came over the middle in last years Super Bowl in check so look for them to blanket Julian Edelman and Danny Amendola. The key match up as stated above is Gronkowski. Once he touches the ball, he can easilly tack on 10 yards so they will have to make sure he never is in the open field. Lastly, the flat is where Tom Brady has been known to do damage with his speed backs and slot receivers. If the linebackers cheat up and take away the flat this will cause Brady to look for other targets and that is where mistakes a can happen. Beating Bellicheck is no easy task but eith a deep roster like Seattles, it can easilly be done when executed properly.

                          

The Sherry Sports X-Factor Award: Brandon LaFell, Patriots WR

There is no doubt that there will be a few schemes set up to stop Gronk and the run defense will definitely be there, so look for LaFell to win some man-to-man battles on the outside. LaFell was used for screens and quick passes this year, but he is a deep threat that Seattle will have to pay attention. If LaFell can get loose in the secondary the Seahwks will have to realign their whole defense to adjust.

Predictions:

James: 24-20 Seahawks- Back-and-forth defensive battle in the first half, but Seattle takes control in the second half. Brady scores late to make it close but his comeback is stopped short and Seattle repeats.

Julius: 20-17 Seahawks- A defensive minded game, Seattle's zone read and a few big run plays by Russel Wilson will prove the difference in a classic.