It’s come down to this, two teams will be vying for Super Bowl LI this Sunday at NRG Stadium in Houston. One team will be going for their 5th Super Bowl, while the other will be going for their first in franchise history. It’s the top defense against the top offense, something’s got to give. Here’s my preview:
New England Patriots (14-2) vs. Atlanta Falcons (11-5) 6:30 PM ET (FOX)
The Patriots are making their ninth Super Bowl appearance. Quarterback Tom Brady’s going for his fifth ring. Brady must avoid throwing interceptions against a Falcons defense that will try to rush and get to him. Brady will try to make sure his guys, wide receivers Julian Edelman, Danny Amendola and Chris Hogan, (who had a breakout game in the AFC Championship), and tight end Martellus Bennett get the ball. While running backs LeGarrette Blunt and Dion Lewis will try to move the chains.
As for the underrated defense, defensive end Chris Long and linebacker Dont’a Hightower will have the task of putting the pressure on Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan. While the secondary with safeties Patrick Chung and Devin McCourty as well as cornerbacks Logan Ryan and Malcolm Butler will try to keep the Falcons’ receivers at bay.
The upstart Falcons are making just their second Super Bowl appearance. I’m sure they’ll feel like it’s them against the world. The Falcons want to win this, not only for themselves but for the city of Atlanta. Perspective MVP quarterback Matt Ryan threw for four touchdowns, zero interceptions, and wasn’t sacked in the NFC Championship game. He must put up similar numbers against a staunch Patriots defense. Wide receiver Julio Jones, who has a toe injury, and center Alex Mack, who has an ankle injury, will be good to go Sunday. The Patriots secondary will be busy with Jones, fellow receiver Mohammed Sanu, and don’t forget running backs Devonta Freeman and Tevin Coleman, will try to move the chains on the ground as well.
The Falcons’ defense will be very occupied as well, veteran defensive end Dwight Freeney knows Brady well, Freeney, as well as tackle Jonathan Babineaux will try to rush Brady. Linebackers Vic Beasley Jr. and Deion Jones will try to slow down the Patriots running backs. Safeties Keanu Neal and Ricardo Allen will have the difficult job of trying to limit the Patriots’ receivers.
This should be a fun and entertaining Super Bowl, enjoy the game everyone!!