Super Bowl Predictions: Can Patriots End Title Drought?
It’s no secret that the New England Patriots have been one of the most successful franchises over the last 15 years; they’ve earned their sixth Super Bowl berth over that timespan.
The consistently high level of excellence that the New England organization has displayed is nothing short of incredible. Tom Brady and Bill Belichick have been a model of consistency and dominance since winning their first Super Bowl appearance together in Super Bowl XXXVI, a 20-17 victory over the Kurt Warner-led St. Louis Rams. So, can they finally end the dreaded drought? Here are a few thoughts for some Super Bowl predictions…
It hasn’t been all pretty as the dynamic duo has had their share of tumultuous times, namely the Spygate and Deflategate scandals. However, both Brady and Belichick have persevered to become one of the most successful head coach-quarterback combinations in NFL history.
The next chapter in the Belichick-Brady era is the challenge of taking down the Seattle Seahawks, led by their elite secondary — a.k.a. the Legion of Boom.
If the Patriots are going collect another Super Bowl title, a feat they haven’t accomplished since the 2004 season, they’re going to have to match the physicality and ruggedness that Seattle plays with on a weekly basis.
The Patriots have the personnel to match the Seahawks style of play.
LeGarrette Blount was a revelation for them in the AFC championship game against the Indianapolis Colts. If the Patriots want to win this one, they’re going to have to establish the run, something that is certainly feasible as the interior of their offensive line has a slight advantage over that of the Seahawks’ defensive line.
The more anticipated matchup will be how Tom Brady attacks the vaunted “LOB” that consists of the All-Pro trio Richard Sherman, Earl Thomas, and Kam Chancellor. Cornerback Byron Maxwell also has the ability to more than hold his own on the outside.
Peyton Manning struggled mightily against the Legion of Boom last year, but don’t expect a repeat of last year’s Super Bowl. Belichick and Brady will undoubtedly put together a masterful gameplan to figure out how to effectively attack the Seahawks defense.
Still, it’s going to take some of deadly accuracy on Brady’s part to actually execute against a defense that some compare to the 1985 Chicago Bears and 2000 Baltimore Ravens.
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If the Patriots can figure out ways to incorporate All-Pro tight end Rob Gronkowski against the Seahawks, Tom Brady should be able to keep the Patriots in favorable 3rd-and-medium matchups. If you’re looking for the major “key to the game”, Gronk’s matchups would be a good place to start.
On the defensive side of the ball, the Patriots matchup favorably with the Seattle offense.
Darrelle Revis, Devin McCourty, and Brandon Browner should have their way with the Seahawks receiving corps.
New England should also be able to keep Marshawn Lynch in check for the most part. Their ability to stuff the run is an underrated staple in their base defense.
The key will be rushing the quarterback with integrity and avoid going too far upfield. If Russell Wilson is given lanes to escape and make plays outside the pocket, it will be a long day Belichick and the New England faithful.
The Patriots should be able to win this game with some late game heroics from Tom Brady & Co. These teams are dead even, but the Patriots have an ever-s0-slight advantage through the air with their secondary.
Look for a late game drive by the Patriots to seal the deal and earn Brady and Belichick their fourth Super Bowl victory together.
Check back later in the week for official score projections from the NFL Mocks crew.