Super Bowl XLIX is here, and without debate, we have the NFL’s two best teams facing each other today in what should be an epic battle. After watching tape on both teams, I’ve came up with keys for both teams to win this game, along with my prediction. Be sure to checkout Sports Trap Radio on Tuesday starting at 6:30pm EST as we recap all of the Super Bowl XLIX action and more.
Offense
Seattle Seahawks
1. Seattle usually takes good care of the football, but obviously we know they turned it over five times in their victory over the Packers two weeks ago in their NFC title game victory. In a game of this magnitude, they must value the football. Giving extra possessions to Tom Brady and the Patriots is a recipe for disaster.
2. The Seahawks wide receivers and tight ends aren’t household names, they don’t have big time stats on the season, but they come up with big plays in big spots. The Patriots main focus will be to stop Seattle’s multi-faceted running attack, which will give Seattle chances to make some big plays via the pass. They will need at least 2-3 plays of 20+ yards through the air today.
3. The Patriots best pass rusher is LOLB Rob Ninkovich, who has 24 sacks over the last three years. Rookie right tackle Justin Britt will draw the assignment of containing Ninkovich, and keeping Russell Wilson clean. It’s a battle within the game that he must win.
4. At least 25-30 touches for Marshawn Lynch is a must today. “Beast Mode” is like a prize fight, he jabs you, goes to the body, wears you down, then BAM, hits you with that left hook and puts you down. The Seahawks must force feed Lynch, not only to keep the Patriot defense honest, but because sooner or later he’ll bust the game wide open with a big run.
5. Russell Wilson is a dynamic football player. He’s a complete quarterback that can get the job done in a medley of ways. Wilson can stand in the pocket, see the blitz, change protection, change a WR’s route, and hit the hot target with pinpoint accuracy. He can also make plays with his feet, not only running the football, but extending the play to throw it down the field. While he doesn’t get credit as one of the NFL’s top five QB’s, he is. His ability to make plays in and out of structure are what makes this Seattle offense go, especially on third downs. He can single handedly win this game.
New England Patriots
1. Having a effective run game, led by LeGarrette Blount is essential to the Patriots having success offensively. The Packers had a lot of success running to their left, the Seahawks right side defensively. Expect the Pats to try to impose their will physically on Seahawks front seven, not allowing them to tee off on Tom Brady with their pass rush.
2. The offensive line must dominate the point of attack. Not only opening holes for Blount, but also protecting quarterback Tom Brady. In their past two Super Bowls, the Giants proved that a constant, disruptive pass rush is the way to stop this Patriots offense. The Seahawks have the capability to cause disruption with just a four man rush. Keeping Brady clean is a must.
3. Rob Gronkowski will get his, but someone else must show face in the passing game. I wouldn’t be surprised to see the Patriots put running back Shane Vereen on the field often and feature him as a receiver. WR Brandon LaFell is also a big bodied target who has the capability to use his body and make contested catches in traffic.
Defense
Seattle Seahawks
1. Seattle struggled early in the NFC Championship game stopping the run. They must not allow the Pats to run wild today.
2. Pressure and hits on Tom Brady is a must. Brady is a statue, the Seahawks know where he’s going to be, and they know that rushing him and getting hits on him is how you beat him. It simply comes down the their front four winning one on one battles vs the Pats O-line.
3. Rob Gronkowski can’t be stopped, but the Seahawks must contain him, specifically in the red zone, and when it comes to run after the catch. The Seahawks must key him in the red zone, force Tom Brady to target someone else. Gronk is also very good with the football in his hands after the catch, the Seahawks have to get him to the ground immediately to minimize the damage.
4. Don’t blow assignments, don’t miss tackles, and be opportunistic. Take the football away!
New England Patriots
1. The Patriots must be physical at the point of attack, maintain gap discipline, and outside contain in order to stop Marshawn Lynch and Russell Wilson from running wild.
2. They must keep Wilson inside of the pocket by all means. Wilson can win from the pocket, but their offense is more dangerous when he buys time, allowing his receivers the chance to get open deep for big plays. The Pats staying in their rush lanes, and getting him to the ground will be key.
3. Keeping the chunk plays(20 + yards) to a minimum. Forcing the Seahawks to nickel and dime their way down the field, rather then give up big plays is key. It coincides with keys one and two that I listed above. If the Patriots tackle well, don’t blow their assignments, they can and will limit the Seahawks big plays.
Special Teams
The keys are the same for both teams:
1. Don’t turn the football over.
2. Stay in your lanes, make the tackles.
3. Don’t leave points off of the board
4. Win field position via a big return, great coverage and the punt game.
My Prediction
I think this will be a very good football game, closely contested. I like the New England Patriots to win 27-24 off of the legs of Super Bowl MVP LeGarrette Blount, who will rush for 90+ yards and 2 TD’s.
Muslim Football Scout 