Thankfully, we get to move past Deflate-Gate and Marshawn Lynch's anti-media stance and finally play some football today. There are some great matchups in the game itself, the main one being Gronk vs Kam Chancellor. The best tight end in football going up against one of the best safeties. The Seahawks could, of course, just double team Gronk with another corner and hope that Edelman or Amendola doesn't burn them, but they may be too confident to do that. If the officials feel like throwing flags today, then Gronk will have the advantage. If not, look for the Legion of Boom to dominate the air.
A more intriguing matchup for me is that of Seahawks OT Russell Okung vs. Patriots DE Chandler Jones. The Pats will be looking to stop the run all day, but it needs to make sure Russell Wilson doesn't get out of the pocket and hurt them. Jones' job will be to rush and pressure Wilson all day, and is talented enough to completely change the game. If Okung can't handle him, the Hawks will have to put an extra blocker over there, which will impact their passing abilities.
Last year, I said that every stat, logistic, and measurable favored the Seahawks... and then I picked the Broncos cause my gut told me too. It is the most wrong I have ever been about anything in my life. I don't really expect a repeat of that. The Patriots are great, truly the most consistent franchise over the past 15 years. But they aren't as physical as the Seahawks. They aren't as fast as the Seahawks. They aren't as mad as the Seahawks. It will take an epic coaching job by Belichick and a stellar game all around for the Pats to win, which still may happen...
But give me the Seattle Seahawks to repeat, 27-24
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