Super Bowl Weekend Awaits
What a great NFL season it has been. Now we are one day away from Superbowl weekend. As shown in the NFC and AFC championships, it seems that these two teams are truly the best of their conferences. The Falcons lead by Matt Ryan who's having a MVP caliber year, takes on the one of the greatest of all time Tom Brady, who has only lost one regular season game this season.
Tom Brady (left) and Matt Ryan (right) chat before speaking to the media
Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Both teams offenses have been simply unstoppable. Not only having these great quarterbacks, but the running games of each team are scary. Tevin Coleman and Devonta Freeman of the Atlanta Falcons have combined for 1,600 yards on the ground this season while adding a combined 19 touchdowns. Not only do they run the ball great, but they ask for the ball in the passing game as well. Coleman and Freeman have combined for nearly 900 yards in the passing game. Have I mentioned Julio Jones yet? This human is an incredible football player. Posting a career high 300 yard game back in October, he has put up 1409 receiving yards this season being 40 yards behind leader TY Hilton. Still, for Jones being in 2nd place in this category he missed two games in December with a toe injury. The man is a beast and will see plenty of targets toward him come Sunday.
#26 Tevin Coleman #24 Devonta Freeman #42 Patrick DiMarco
Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Next up is the New England Patriots. It's crazy what this season has been for them. From the Deflate gate suspension for Brady, to finding quarterbacks to get them wins, and lastly Rob Gronkowski's season ending injury it has been quite the ride. Watching them every year it is crazy to see them lose in general. Since Tom Brady's career really started as a starter in 2001, he has gone 207-61. 61 losses in 16 years of playing. The Browns could be awfully close to that number in 4 years. With a .772 winning percentage in his career he is one win away from filling his hand with Superbowl rings. Enough about Brady, this year the Patriots have three outstanding running backs, Legarrette Blount, Dion Lewis, and James White. With Blount being the main "running back" with Lewis and White as the pass catching, play maker type backs. Blount lead the league in touchdowns with 18 in the regular season along 1,161 rushing yards. Settling for field goals is not what the Patriots do and Blount is a huge reason why they get 6 instead of 3. I believe he'll punch in 1-2 touchdowns come Sunday. Lewis and White are the quick smaller running backs for the Patriots. Catching passes from Brady and turning them into first downs is what they have done. Being able to run routes like a receiver adds even more value to them and is a nightmare for defensive cordinators. In the end, this Patriots team is great every year, and for Brady it'd be nice to add another Superbowl win to his resume.
Tom Brady
Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Conclusion: This is a Superbowl featuring two of the strongest offenses to ever step on the field. These NFL playoffs only have had two good games (Green Bay vs Cowboys, Pittsburgh vs Kansas City) and I believe this Superbowl will be one we don't forget. Find some friends, get in front of the television, and watch one of the greatest sport finale of the year!
Prediction: New England Patriots 33 Atlanta Falcons 30
