While we know stars like Matt Ryan, Julio Jones, and Tom Brady will have to shine brightly for their respective teams to win, it sometimes comes down to the small things that show up big. In the biggest game of the year, you might need a David Tyree catch to help get the victory so here are my X-factors for Sunday’s game.
Offense:
Atlanta Falcons–
Wide receivers not named Julio Jones
Julio Jones is an absolute monster and Bill Belichick is famous for being able to take away an offense’s best weapon and it shows up clear when a team is one dimensional. Luckily for Atlanta fans and all of the Patriot haters, the Falcons have weapons everywhere. Mohamad Sanu and Taylor Gabriel have fit in perfectly behind Jones, plus Justin Hardy and Aldrick Robinson have shown up when their numbers have been called. The group has size and a whole lot of speed. Gabriel has the ability to take screen passes the distance and Sanu have enough size and runs good enough routes to beat single coverage. With Malcolm Butler likely being draped all over Jones, the rest of the wideouts will have to step up to keep up with the Pats.
New England Patriots–
Three-headed running back monster
The Patriots will beat you by throwing 4 yard passes over and over again until one can bust free, but they might be able to shred the Falcons defense centered around their running back committee. Starting with the most dynamic of the three, Dion Lewis is good enough to be a starting running back. Lewis is lightning quick and has enough lateral speed to carve up the linebacking crew of Atlanta. LeGarrette Blount is the most powerful back in the league and he provides guaranteed yards that every team needs. He fits the scheme of the New England Patriots well since they can tear you down and then control the clock with short passes and hard running. Lastly, the biggest factor of the monster possibly- James White. He is the best receiver and is able to take on the linebackers easily. If the Patriots are able to get him involved throughout the game, their chances to win will go way up.
Defense:
Atlanta Falcons–
Rushing the passer with Vic Beasley Jr. and company
The Falcons have the NFL’s sack leader and Tom Brady struggles with pressure. Beasley rushes off the edge but if Atlanta is able to run stunts to get him to make Brady fear him up the middle as well, the Falcons can control him. Atlanta also has an all-time great pass rusher in Dwight Freeney, who plays on critical downs. Look out for strip sacks, as Beasley just might be the best in the league.
New England Patriots–
Malcolm Butler-
The savior of the last Patriots Super Bowl win and the reason that every play caller will be scared to throw on the goal line for eternity. Malcolm Butler has turned himself into a real number one corner since the night of his famous interception off of Russell Wilson. Yes, I know what you’re thinking…If the Falcons other wideouts play well and Jones gets shut down, Atlanta can still win the game as I previously mentioned above. But Julio Jones is complimented as the best or at least second best receiver in the game by practically everyone, so this matchup is the biggest of them all. If Julio gets rolling, then so will the slot receivers, and the tight ends and then the running game will open up… and so on. Malcolm Butler will need to win his 1-1 battles with Julio. END OF STORY.
Although it is fun to pick out who will be the biggest diamonds in the rough, I’d love to hear your biggest X-factors! Comment below to discuss or let me know on twitter @ Micah_mal84.
