The 12-4 Seattle Seahawks will enter Super Bowl XLIX as rare underdogs, even though the line is current a ‘pick ’em’. The battle tested hawks are on a 8 game winning streak needing just one more to repeat as back to back champions. Interestingly enough the last team to repeat as champions were the New England Patriots. New England has not won a championship since 2004 and have lost their prior two appearances to the New York Giants. Below list the bevy of reasons why the Seahawks are this years team of destiny.
1. L.O.B. Enough Said
The league’s best defense belongs to the 12th man in Seattle. The group is led by the Legion of Boom. Richard Sherman, Earl Thomas, Kam Chancellor, and Byron Maxwell account for the members of this talented secondary. The leader of the group is Richard Sherman. Sherman is the NFL’s best corner bar none. No other corner affects the game like the all-pro defensive back does. Before every week, the opposing offense is asked whether they will attack Richard Sherman. Eliminating one side of the field often ends in defeat for the opponent. Sherman is also known for his savvy trash talking but has done very little thus far. The only media worthy quote came when Sherman claimed Tom Brady started their feud back in 2012. Sherman will be matched up with “Mini-Megatron”, Julian Edelman. The former Kent State quarterback will likely have little impact unless he is pried away from the right side of the field.
The free safety for Seattle, Earl Thomas, is the closest thing we have to an elite version of Ed Reed. Thomas is that center-fielder that is so important to the ability to whip out the deep passing game. The former first round pick from Texas has also built a reputation for his hard-hitting. Thomas was forced to leave the NFC Championship game early because of a late hit. Earl recently questioned the league following the recent shoulder injury.
Yesterday I said my shoulder was a 10 … Wake up the next morning and I have a blood test for HGH .. League office distraction
— Earl Thomas (@Earl_Thomas) January 29, 2015
Kam Chancellor, the strong safety will likely be tasked with covering the Gronk. The reigning comeback player of the year is a man of antics and action. His latest was his explanation from the so-called deflategate scandal.
Whoops lol pic.twitter.com/uLxN7A5cpq — Rob Gronkowski (@RobGronkowski) January 20, 2015
His family will also likely be in attendance bringing the party bus to Arizona. The Chancellor versus Gronk battle could be one of the biggest X-factors deciding which team emerges victorious. I would expect that Patriots play caller Josh McDaniels will try to run some post corner routes to test Kam’s deep passing coverage. The physicality displayed between the two will be something magnificent to see. Chancellor is also a sleeper candidate to become the MVP of the Superbowl. If he can pull off another pick-six like he did in the Divisional playoff game with Carolina, Chancellor could be the MVP.
Finally last but not least there is Byron Maxwell. The free agent to be could be due for a big pay day if he could put together one more marvelous performance. When asked about his upcoming free agency Maxwell said
“I’m the prettiest girl at the dance right now,” (Maxwell quipped.) “But yeah, it’s one of those things I’m excited about it. I would love to be here but … I’m ready to see what’s out there.”
This will likely be Maxwell’s last game with the team unless he is willing to take a hometown discount. Maxwell is an excellent tackling corner, a strength the entire Legion of Boom possess. While defensive coordinator Dan Quinn is considered to be the mastermind of the defense we all know Pete Carroll runs this unit. Quinn is a lame duck coach in the waiting (cough Gus Bradley) but that’s a story for another day.
Make no mistake about it in today’s NFL with high-powered passing attacks, the Legion of Boom’s defensive greatness is not nearly recognized enough.
2. Russell Wilson
Everyone knows the 5’10 quarterback is a star, what they don’t know is he is unbelievably clutch he is on stages as great as the Superbowl. Wilson threw 4 picks and still found a way to win when it mattered most. Dangerous Russell is a man of destiny at this point. Can we really bet against a man who does nothing but win? Currently Wilson is on pace to become the winningest quarterback in NFL history! While the man on the other sideline is no scrub, maybe it is just time to pass the torch just as Peyton Manning did to Andrew Luck just three weeks ago. Wilson’s greatness stretches beyond his persona. He is the only mobile quarterback to successfully craft his game into a Superbowl champion. The others Randall Cunningham, Colin Kaepernick, RG3, and so on have never won a ring. Offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell is a brilliant offensive mind and does not deserve enough credit for running the offense. His ability to mix the rushing attack of Marshawn Lynch and Wilson’s ability the scramble outside the pocket is what makes the offense so dangerous.
3. Beast Mode
No running back in today’s NFL has a greater impact on the game than Marshawn Lynch. The best running back in the league does come with controversy but like the rest of his team he backs it up. Unlike the rest of the league Beast Mode does his talking on the field. He often times refuses to talk to the media but really does it matter….. All Lynch cares about is winning and at the end of the day that is really all that matters. Marshawn was quite the character during media day this week.
This postseason the man, myth, and legend himself has average a staggering 5.5 yards per carry. Let’s also not forget the Seahawk offensive line should be able to contain a diminished Pats front. Jamie Collins, Chandler Jones, and Donte Hightower are more predicated on making plays in space and in the passing game rather than being big bulky run stuffers. New England did allow 129 yards to Lynch’s college backup at University of Cal, Justin Forsett, during the Patriots Divisional round victory against the Baltimore Ravens. I expect the man of a few words to do the same.
To me the decision is easy. The recipe the Giants implemented to ruin the Patriots season in 2 previous Super Bowls is all there. The elements of a great defensive line, dominant secondary, and bruising rushing attack will eat right through this so-called perfect Patriot force field. Do yourself a favor, don’t eat the Patriot cheese. The Karma cheese has to be on the way after the disgraceful delfategate scandal right?
Also don’t forget to check out some interesting prop bets for the game.
Check out the reasons why the New England Patriots might win.
