Super Bowl XLIV

Super Bowl XLIV is here, and the Patriots’ ball scandal has dominated the airwaves over the last two weeks. Both teams are hard to like. The perception of this game is that it features callous cheaters against bombastic trash talkers. I personally think deflate gate is being overblown, since it takes far more than a deflated ball to win a playoff game by 38. All of this is ultimately great for the league, because it guarantees maximum viewership. Unfortunately, the Pats’ recent performance is being overshadowed. Tom Brady has been stellar in the playoffs, having thrown six touchdowns two games. Seattle is dominant most of the time, but they appear human now. Everyone saw how the Packers did everything imaginable to lose a game they had in the bag. Seattle may veil this outcome as clutch, but not me. Their weaknesses were exposed, and the Pats are a better all around team than the Packers. The Patriots' run defense was ranked ninth in the league. (Green Bay was ranked 23^rd)

Location may favor Seattle. Seattle fans filled MetLife Stadium last year, and Arizona is much closer than New Jersey. The game will not play out like last year, however. The indoor stadium and warm weather will favor the Patriot passing game, unlike what the Broncos faced a year ago. New England needs to be crisp early. Seattle’s 272.4 ypg allowed is first in the NFL, and their 17 ppg allowed is second. Seattle has a tendency to have slow starts offensively, but explode late. Two of Seattle’s best defensive backs (Sherman and Thomas) are not 100 percent. Green Bay was scared to throw at Sherman for a second time, but the Pats will be different. He does have two picks in the playoffs, however, so the respect is warranted. They will go after Sherman a few times, but Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski will be the most important player in the game.

Seattle’s linebackers will have to figure out a way to slow him down. Outside linebackers Bruce Irvin and K.J. Wright will have the biggest responsibility, but Seattle will show multiple defensive looks. If New England puts up big passing numbers, the yards will likely come inside as opposed to outside. This means safety Kam Chancellor will be critical as well. Seattle allowed a mere 41.4 yards per game to tight ends. (5^th in the league) This is impressive, considering that teams do not attack their outside corners at a high rate. They did, however, allow tight ends to score 11 touchdowns. Gronk will not put up crazy yards, but he could make all the difference in the red zone.

Whoever can establish the running game first will have the edge. Both teams like to control the clock with the running game. This is why Russell Wilson is so important. He and Marshawn Lynch complement each other perfectly in the running game. Lynch does the dirty work up the middle, while Wilson can run off tackle. 

New England is hoping for a repeat performance by LeGarrette Blount, who ran for. The Pats’ formula will be to control the clock by running run the ball. Unlike other teams, they will actually score a few touchdowns instead of settling for field goals. They will pull ahead early, and hold on to win. New England wins 24-21.

Photos from bleacherreport.com