2015 Super Bowl: Five New England Patriots Storylines

Jan 18, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots running back LeGarrette Blount (29) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the first quarter against the Indianapolis Colts in the AFC Championship Game at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports

4. The Impact of LeGarrette Blount

LeGarrette Blount was a revelation for the Patriots’ offense in their dominating win versus the Indianapolis Colts. Blount rushed for 148 yards and 3 touchdowns, exploiting the Colts’ weak front seven. The Seahawks have a much stronger defense than the Colts, but if there was an area for the Seahawks defense to be exposed, it would be the middle of their defensive line.

The quartet of Kevin Williams, Brandon Mebane, Jordan Hill, and Tony McDaniel can be pushed around in the run game at times, but likely not enough to consider them a real weakness as Seattle only gave up 3.4 yards per carry for the 2014 regular season.

Eddie Lacy had some nice runs against the Seahawks, but they were still able to hold him in check for the majority of the game.

If the Patriots are able to establish Blount on the ground and keep Tom Brady in manageable third down situations, they’ll have a nice chance to keep this game competitive and defeat the defending champions.

Next: Establishing Rob Gronkowski