Patrick Diamond
https://twitter.com/diamond_courant
The NFL playoffs have not disappointed this year (unless you’re a Packers fan). There have been exciting and down-to-the-wire match ups that have entertained us throughout these past couple weeks.
The Seahawks came back in dramatic fashion against the Packers while being down 19-6 with little time left in the 4th quarter. By the end of regulation, the score was deadlocked at 22, and on the first drive of OT, Russell Wilson hit Jermaine Kearse on a game winning 35 yard touchdown.
Unlike the NFC Championship game, the Patriots Colts game turned out to be a 45-7 blowout win for the Pats. Although it was a blowout, the game did not lack drama, as the Patriots were accused of deflating their footballs for an advantage in the cold and rainy weather. This isn’t the first cheating scandal for the Patriots (they were also caught recording another team). So there was spygate, and now deflategate seems a little too perfect of a name.
These match ups bring us to the much anticipated 49th Super Bowl, and my third game of the week.
The Seahawks had a shaky start to the season this year but finished very strong, winning 9 of their last 10 games. This is most in part to their defense, more specially their backfield, nicknamed the Legion of Boom. Their backfield is a bit roughed up because Richard Sherman has an
elbow injury and Earl Thomas has an injury to his shoulder. Brandon Browner, a former Seahawks cornerback, currently playing for the Patriots. He had this to say about the injuries, “At the end of the day, this is about the Super Bowl. I’m gonna tell my teammates ‘Go hit that elbow, go hit that shoulder.’” Obviously, there are some heated feelings going into the game.
The Patriots have had just as successful of a season, also going 12-4. Tom Brady, as always, shined on the field throwing for 4109 yards and 35 touchdowns. The return of Rob Gronkowski, or Gronk, was key in the Patriots success this year as he caught 12 touchdowns for 1124 yards. A standout player who was a killer in the redzone had to be Brandon LaFell, the 4th year Wide Receiver out of LSU. He had 9 touchdowns, 7 of which came in the Red Zone. On the defensive side, Darrelle Revis was a shutdown corner that didn’t let anything by all year. The Pats definitely have a talented, and well balanced team that could help in winning this important game.
Prediction:
24-20 Patriots
Even with the amazing Seattle defense, Tom Brady will find a way to get it done, along with a power run game including LeGarrette Blount. Seattle’s defense is roughed up from the past game, along with the rumors Sherman might not play due to the possibility of his child being born. The Patriots will take advantage of this and throw in a mix of long balls and power running. Seattle will be the one going home with the deflated feeling in this one.
If you aren’t already hyped up for this game, just watch this:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s8lXTEMRkLo
