The stage continues to be set for Super Bowl LI (that’s #51 for those of you who are not Romans). This matchup between New England and Atlanta looks like it could be one of the best games ever.
You know the names – Tom Brady and Bill Belichick versus Matt Ryan and Julio Jones.
Atlanta, this year, was the 8th highest scoring team in NFL history and Bill Belichick is the best defensive mind in NFL history and this year was no exception – the Patriots have the top-scoring defense in the league. New England has Tom Brady, but Falcons’ head coach Dan Quinn made Brady and the Patriots very uncomfortable when he was the defensive coordinator for the Seattle Seahawks. The Falcons, however, gave up more than 400 points during the regular season.
In the playoffs, the Falcons outscored Seattle and Green Bay by an 80-41 combined score. Matt Ryan threw for 730 yards and seven touchdowns. And Julio Jones is a super-human receiver. During these playoffs, he became the first player in NFL history to put back-to-back 150+ yards receiving and two touchdown games together. Belichick is known for saying he designs a defense to take away the opposing team’s best player. That is Julio Jones. If that becomes New England’s goal, then Mohamed Sanu and company should have a big day.
But, you must consider the fact that New England and Belichick have had two weeks to prepare for the Falcons’ offense. Consider, too, the intangible motivation – the Patriots taking the trophy from Roger Goodell after the four-game suspension penalty imposed on the Patriots and Tom Brady to start the season. The Patriots have been solid in the playoffs – easily beating the Ravens and Steelers.
So who will win out? This year’s probable MVP – Ryan, or, perhaps, the greatest QB of all time, Brady? You have two great defensive minds going against two outstanding offensive units.
I think we can expect lots of scoring – the over/under is 58.5 and that is the highest number in Super Bowl history, and could be attained. New England is favored by three to win the game.
64% of the time this season, I have correctly picked the NFL winner. I would like to see a Falcons’ win this Sunday, but it is very hard to go against the dynasty:
NEW ENGLAND – 31 FALCONS-27
P.S. – Take the under!
ABOVE THE EARS (SOME MUSINGS)
- Super Bowl III was the first to use the term “Super Bowl” and the first to use Roman numerals. No Roman numeral was used last year for #50.
- The top 24 shows watched on network TV all-time are ALL Super Bowl games.
- Americans eat more food on Super Bowl Sunday than any other day of the year except for Thanksgiving.
- The first Super Bowl was simulcast by both NBC and CBS. Neither was happy with the other company and they had to build a fence to separate the two production companies and their trucks.
- No Super Bowl has ever gone overtime – five AFC or NFC championships have gone OT.
ENJOY THE GAME!!
Gary’s Guesses: NFL Picks – (Last week – 1-1; Overall – 168-95-2 – 64%)
