NFL Playoffs 2017 - Super Bowl
As both of my regular readers know, every year I do a special analysis for both teams playing in the Super Bowl. This year, there are 9 categories and the team with the edge in the most categories will be my pick to bring home the Lombardi Trophy. In the words of Heath Ledgers joker: "And here...we....go."
Quarterback
Matt Ryan has taken his skill to another level this season. I was resistant to admit this for a long time because of how much talent is on that offense, but he's played outstanding throughout the playoffs and deserves some credit. Brady, on the other hand, is on another level entirely. I don't think any quarterback does more with less than Brady. Superbowl win or not this season, he's the most accomplished QB to ever play the game and will soon be known as the greatest to ever play. He gets the nod here.
Patriots: 1
Falcons: 0
Running Game
This was actually a surprisingly difficult category. I love both of these teams 1-2 punch. Lewis and Blount are a little more specialized in what they do with Blount running most goal line runs and tough yardage situations. Freeman and Coleman have been on fire for most of the season as well and I have to give them the nod here because of their big play ability in the passing game. Good luck NE linebackers.
Patriots: 1
Falcons: 1
Wide Receivers / Tight Ends
This may have been a harder category to peg if Gronk was healthy. Seems like I type that sentence a lot when talking about Gronk. I'm not sure there's a corner in the league right now who can cover Julio 1 on 1. His combination of height, speed, and route running is unmatched right now in the NFL. Even at less than full strength, he and the rest of ATL's WR core are going to give NE all they can handle.
Patriots: 1
Falcons: 2
Offensive Line
This was the hardest category to pick. If I gave out ties, I would give one out here because both of these O-line's deserve a lot of credit and recognition. They've been the overwhelming reason why their offenses are some of the leagues best. After much consideration, I'd give a slight nod to NE's line because of how few hit's they've allowed on Brady this season. If they can keep that up, maybe Brady really will be able to play forever.
Patriots: 2
Falcons: 2
Defensive Line
The Patriots are the #1 scoring defense this season and their defensive line is a large reason why. They've been very good shutting down the run all season which helps cover up their holes in the secondary. The Falcon's on the other hand, have really had some players on the D-line step up as of late, but when making this pick I wen't with the team with more sacks. Unfortunately, they had the same number of sacks.... but the Patriots did it in significantly less snaps.
Patriots: 3
Falcons: 2
Secondary
I like what the Falcons have put together in the secondary this season, but in every measurable way the Patriots secondary is better. They both need help at the safety position. The difference here is the Falcon's are going to have a difficult time covering the Patriots WR's in the middle of the field. Look for Brady and Co to exploit that whenever possible.
Patriots: 4
Falcons: 2
Special Teams
Gostkowski actually had somewhat of an off year. Only 84% completion??? I could beat that in paper triangle football. Matt Bryant on the other hand, had maybe his best year ever with almost 92% completion. Both teams don't really have great kick returners, so Bryant's success moves the Falcons ahead in this category.
Patriots: 4
Falcons: 3
Coaching
Dan Quinn has done an amazing job with these Falcons. He finally earned the respect of his players and it's shown. Thanks to Quinn, Falcons fans can look forward to having an above average defense every season he's in charge. Business as usual for the Patriots and that's why they get the nod here. No coach is as consistent as Bill Belichick. Well... consistently great that is. A lot of coaches are consistently bad...
Patriots: 5
Falcons: 3
Intangibles
The "Intangibles" category has to do with things like how the team is prepared for the pressure of the big game, unexpected situations, and the ability to adjust game plans on the fly if needed. This may not seem like a category that matters as much as the others, but in the Super Bowl, things seem to rarely go "according to plan". While I believe both teams should be in the upper half of the league in this category, I believe NE is the best in the league at this. No team is more prepared than the Patriots. I'm no detective, but there's probably some correlation between being prepared and making the Super Bowl all the time...
Patriots: 6
Falcons: 3
Conclusion
There you have it. The Patriots take 6 of the 9 categories this season over the Falcons. Even with this somewhat large category spread, I still predict a close game with the Patriots just edging out the Falcons for Brady/Belichick's 5th Super Bowl trophy. Make sure you watch Goodell's face when he hands Brady the Lombardi trophy. That should be fun. Enjoy the game everybody!
Patriots 31 - 27
