The Greatest Bowl of Them All: Super Bowl LII

This column should just be called “Tom Brady is back. Again. SIGH.” The NFL has a long history of quarterbacks leading dynasties, from Sammy Baugh to Otto Graham and Johnny Unitas, Bart Starr and Roger Staubach, to Terry Bradshaw, Joe Montana and Troy Aikman, and now Tom Brady. No matter what, the success and the blame every season is aimed at the quarterback. The Browns went 0-16 because they lack a franchise QB, and well, talent. Meanwhile the New England Patriots and the Philadelphia Eagles are complete teams, and it really sucks that Carson Wentz is injured, although hurray for Nick Foles getting a shot to shine, again.

Look its Brady at the helm, again, and as long as he is playing, the Pats have a shot at winning. Again. Death, taxes, and Tom Brady in the Super Bowl are three regular events, even if Brady is old, and even if the refs and good old luck also helped get him there. Meanwhile the Eagles got here not only because of Foles and a good solid run game, but because of their defense. However, the Pats defense is pretty good in its own right, and I feel the two units off set each other. Also the Pats have solid backs, and Brandin Cooks might be the best wideout out of the two squads. Alshon Jeffery is pretty darn good himself, and Bears fans have to feel a bit upset their franchise did not retain him.

What also is interesting about both teams is each has a tight end that is highly important to their squads. Rob Gronkowski is often Brady’s safety blanket, while Zach Ertz is (no longer) quietly one of the best in the league. I think that Ertz will give the Pats some trouble on Sunday, yet it is Corey Clement that is a key X factor for the Eagles. Danny Amendola is my X factor for the Pats, as he is a good possession receiver who teams often overlook. What should worry Eagles fans is that the Pats play largely mistake free football, and they always believe they have a chance to win. I have to go with the more experienced squad.

Patriots 23, Eagles 20. Stephen Gostkowski kicks the game winning field goal, and everyone depairs. I hope I am wrong.

I agree, Grumpy Cat. I agree.

The Greatest Bowl Of Them All: Super Bowl XLIX

Post Season Picks Record: 8-2 (Last Week 2-0)

This will be an annual event from now on, as last year was the first time I covered the Super Bowl on my blog. This year’s coverage will focus once again on key matchups, who will win (important of course) and on some of the major players.

Matchup #1: Tom Brady vs Russell Wilson

Sure the two will not actually face each other on the field. Yet they very well might determine the game and who wins, as both are the field generals of their respective teams. Brady is a legend while Wilson is forging his own legacy although Wilson has been compared to Brady already in terms of being well known for post season success rather than stats. Never mind both put up plenty of quality numbers. I’ll give the edge to Brady based on past experience although Wilson is actually mobile and has a knack for hitting his wide outs. It is exciting to see how this matchup, which many felt was going to happen a season or two ago, turns out.

Matchup #2: Legion of Boom vs Bend or Break

Although New England has what could be its best defense in years they are known for fielding a unit that is aimed at keeping defenses honest even if it doesn’t seem impressive, although its led by stalwarts Jamie Collins, Vince Wilfork and Darrelle Revis, a legend already. Brandon Browner has already gone on record as saying he wants the Patriots to go after any injured Seahawks players, a message that could end up being a motivation for Seattle. Meanwhile the Seahawks defense is ridiculous, as its headlined by Richard Sherman, Earl Thomas, Kam Chancellor, plus Bobby Wagner. I have to give the edge to a Seahawks defense that is arguably the league’s best and also made Peyton Manning look silly last season in the Super Bowl.

Matchup #3: Pete Carroll vs Bill Belichick

One future Hall of Fame coach versus another potential HOFer. Both are Super Bowl winners and are known for never losing. Belichick may have the edge in terms of repeating yet Carroll is no stranger to going back to back in title games even though that was in college. It’s worth noting that Belichick replaced Carroll as head coach of the Patriots after New England fired Carroll. That’s a storyline that will be mentioned plenty of times on Sunday.

Matchup #4: The Patriots offense vs the Seahawks offense

Losing Golden Tate and trading away Percy Harvin midseason hurt Seattle a bit yet they still have Marshawn Lynch and Doug Baldwin. Plus Jermaine Kearse is a great X factor for them as is Luke Wilson, an underrated tight end capable of big plays. Also Wilson can run really well and doesn’t make too many mistakes. Now the Patriots offense has Rob Gronkowski who is arguably the best tight end in the league and wide outs Brandon LaFell and Julian Edelman, both which are really good pass catches. The Patriots have LeGarrette Blount as their running back but also have several other backs they can roll out. Their X factor is Shane Verreen who can catch passes as well as run for touchdowns. Edge goes to the Patriots here based on Gronk alone.

Final Prediction:

Despite being the Patriots being the favorite I have the Seahawks winning instead. They have a better defense and Russell Wilson has a winning record against Super Bowl quarterbacks. This will be a hard fought and close game that could have a fantastic conclusion. My final score is Seattle 23 New England 20. And I really wish the game would finally go into overtime. No Super Bowl ever has.