Let's talk the game. If you think this is going to be similar to last year's game, you're wrong. Yes, I know Peyton Manning and the Broncos were unstoppable on offense last year and had a decent defense, but when it came down to pressure, stopping the run, and scoring points, the Broncos were hopeless. This Patriot team has arguably the best corner in the league with Revis, Opposite of Revis is Browner, who is a top corner as well. The Patriots have the defense that they have been missing in their recent playoff runs. After Russell Wilson's 4 interceptions in the NFC Championship against the Packers, his life will get even more difficult when he faces the Patriots dangerous secondary. The thing Russell Wilson accelerates at better than just about every QB in the NFL is his play-making abilities when he gets outside the pocket. He is if not the best scrambling QB. He can tuck and run for a big gain or hit one of his play-makers like Doug Baldwin or Jermaine Kearse.
With all that being said about Russell Wilson, I think the Patriots are going to be able to contain Wilson by doing a few things.They will have Rob Ninkovich and Jamie Collins in a spy position. Ninkovich will do a variety of pass rushing and containment, while I think Collins will do more spying on Wilson and covering Tight Ends and backs. This will seriously limit Russell Wilson if he can't escape the pocket and his wide receivers are being guarded tightly. This leads me to the conclusion the Marshawn "Beastmode" Lynch is the Seahawks' best option for success and he has been all post season. My fear for Seattle is that Belichick knows that Seattle's game plan is to get it to Lynch and Belichick will have a gameplan to take Lynch out of the game, forcing Seattle to be a pass first offense. If the Seahawks are going to score Russell Wilson is going to have to make plays with his arm or else their offense will get stiffed.
Luckily for Seattle they have the best defense in the NFL, which has got them to this point. They have no weak spots on paper. Unfortunately for Seattle, they are facing arguably the best postseason QB in NFL history. Tom Brady is the ONLY QB that will be able to dissect this Seattle defense, but with help from his teammates. In my opinion, the biggest factor in this game will be the battle between the New England offensive line against the Seattle defensive line and the pressure Seattle's defense puts on Brady. Seattle's pressure from their D-line lead by by Michael Bennett, complements their top of the line secondary. Whoever wins the battle at the line of scrimmage, I believe will win the game. A key stat to look for at the end of the game will be the number of times Brady is sacked. 4 sacks is the max the Patriots call allow for Brady to lead them to victory.
One more point I want to hit on before I give my final prediction and that is GRONKOWSKI. "Gronk" is the Patriots best offensive weapon. Although he had a very quiet game against Indianapolis, his presence doesn't go unnoticed. His quiet game was because the Colts' secondary focused so much on him, which allowed the other New England wide receivers to get open and make plays. Amendola and Edelman have been playing well during these playoffs and I expect one of them to have a big game, picking up key 1st downs to keep drives going. The success of the bubble screens and quick routes are going to be key to a successful offensive game plan. Don't think Richard Sherman will let these go, I expect him to try and jump one or two, but that's when Brady will catch him trying to jump a route and hit Brandon LaFell for a big play, possibly a game-changing touchdown. All of the other wide receivers success will be due to the coverage on Gronkowski and how effective LeGarrette Blount can be running the ball. If the Patriots run game does struggle, no problem, that has been an issue all year and hasn't stopped them. Seattle has given up 11 TD's to Tight Ends. Watch for Brady to go over the top of the linebackers to hit Gronk on a seam route for a TD.
My Final Thoughts:
Both teams have great special teams and I expect a few field goals from each team. The difference maker is that the Patriots have always been good, but this year they have the players that will get them over the hump and win the Super Bowl. Seattle's offensive struggles that lead to field goals rather than touchdowns, much like the Packers will be what kills them in this game.
2 TD's from Brady, 1 New England Rushing TD, and 2 Field Goals will be what it takes to beat Seattle.
27-23 New England wins.
MVP: Tom Brady
Follow me on Twitter @basketballguy61 and @jpsweets
Brady was only sacked once. Good call.
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