Every Super Bowl has a storyline.
If you’re looking for one storyline for Super Bowl 49 it’s Tom Brady’s legacy.
Brady, who is starting his record sixth Super Bowl, looks to etch his name even
more among the greats by earning his fourth Lombardi Trophy which would tie him
with his childhood idol Joe Montana. This year however, there is a different
storyline making headlines; Deflate
Gate has not only taken the league by storm, but the country, and is
shedding a negative light on the game itself. If you focus just on the X’s and
O’s of the game, it shapes up to be a good one.
The Patriots have the weapons to
exploit the Seahawks defense; tight end Rob Gronkowski is Tom Brady’s favorite
target and why not? The 6 foot 6 Gronkowski led the team in receiving (1,124 yds.
12 TD’s) and presents matchup problems whether he is lined up at tight end, in
the slot or out wide. It’ll be interesting to see where he lines up most and
who will cover him. If Gronk is covered that’s okay, Brady will look for the
trio of Julian Edelman, Danny Amendola, or Brandon LaFell; all of who have had
their number called during the postseason at some point. Ede
lman was second on
the team in receiving (972 yds.) but led the team with 92 receptions.
The Seahawks will also have to stop
running back LeGarrette Blount, and if you can’t wrap him up the first time
he’s going to keep going. If the Patriots offensive line can open up holes
against one of the toughest and most athletic defensive lines in the league and
get Blount going, that will force the Seahawks secondary to play close to the
line which will allow the passing game to open up. That’s easier said than done
however; the Seahawks defense is allowing just 81.5 yards on the ground and
185.6.
For the Seahawks it’s simple, set
Beast Mode free. That will open up the passing game and allow quarterback
Russell Wilson to look downfield for his wide receivers and tight ends. Pro Bowl
cornerback Darrelle Revis and former Seahawk Brandon Browner will cover those
receivers so it’s important to get Lynch going early and often.
The Patriots defense isn’t far
behind the Seahawks in terms of total defense (239.8 PYG, 104.3 RPG) but Lynch
has shown that he can get the yards he wants. In their NFC Championship Game
against the Packers Lynch had 157 yards on 25 carries including the game-tying
score with 1:25 left in the fourth quarter. When Beast Mode is engaged there
are very few defenses that can stop him so the best hope is to limit the damage
he does. If the Patriots can limit him then they’ll have to hope to contain quarterback
Russell Wilson not only through the air but also on the ground. The Seahawks
don’t have the receivers the Patriots do but they feel their receivers are just
as good. Doug Baldwin led the team in both receptions (66), and yards (825).
Marshawn Lynch was the leading receiver with 4 touchdowns. Not to worry though,
if both Lynch and Wilson are contained, the Seahawks defense and special teams
will create their own points.
This game also has a legacy factor
to it on both sides. For Tom Brady this is his sixth Super Bowl start; having
lost the previous two, he looks to capture his fourth ring and put his name at
the top. Standing in his way is a defense that is trying to do the same for
their name. Back-to-back Super Bowl titles for the Seahawks defense and another
victory over one of the games greats could cement their name at the top with
names like ‘The Steel Curtain and the ’85 Bears’. Those are names that when you
mention them, you’re recognizing greatness. The ‘Legion of Boom’ looks to put
itself in the same class.
Patriots 21, Seahawks 27
MVP: Marshawn Lynch
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