The one thing we do know about the upcoming Super Bowl is that we can expect the unexpected. As has been the case in every title bout of the modern era, under-the-radar players will step up and play a major role in the outcome of the game.
We saw this firsthand last year when Seahawks linebacker Malcolm Smith earned Super Bowl MVP honors. What about former Dallas Cowboys cornerback Larry Brown against the Pittsburgh Steelers two decades ago?
Again, expect the unexpected.
In terms of what might happen between the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLIX, here’s a look at five bold predictions for the big game in Arizona.
1. Both Teams Will Score a Non-Offensive Touchdown
Doug Baldwin going up against Darrelle Revis. Julian Edelman lining up against Richard Sherman. Ball-hawking safeties on both sides. It’s my bold prediction that each team’s final score will include a non-offensive touchdown.
This could come a variety of ways, though it’s hard to believe that either special teams will score unless Kam Chancellor finds a way to block a field goal and return it for a touchdown. The scores will likely come from two defenses that are apt at forcing turnovers and giving their offenses short fields to score.
Taking it one stop further, our final prediction includes scores by both Richard Sherman and Darrelle Revis, which will then lead to a continued debate about who the best cornerback in the NFL might be.
2. Rob Gronkowski Will Not be the Game’s Leading Receiver
I am not liking this matchup for the Gronk at all. Whether he lines up against Kam Chancellor, Earl Thomas or Bobby Wagner, it’s going to be the star tight end’s toughest battle of the entire season. Chancellor and Thomas combined to allow just 40 receptions when targeted during the regular year. They also allowed less than 10 yards per reception. Meanwhile, Wagner graded out as the fifth-best inside linebacker in the NFL and didn’t allow a receiving touchdown during the regular year (via Pro Football Focus, subscription required).
Instead of forcing the ball against three All-Pro caliber players, Tom Brady will likely look to take on the boundaries and spread Seattle’s defense wide. This means a combination of bubble screens to outside targets and a few screen passes to the plethora of running backs New England will throw out there. This also means that Gronkowski’s overall production will probably be a lot less than most people anticipate.
3. Neither Quarterback Will Take Home the MVP Award
Of the 49 Super Bowl MVP awards that have been handed out (two for Super Bowl XII), 26 have gone to quarterbacks. Despite both teams possessing star-caliber signal callers, this matchup isn’t favorable to either Tom Brady or Russell Wilson.
It’s highly likely that if the Seahawks do win a second straight Super Bowl, the MVP will be on the defensive side of the ball. While Malcolm Smith earned the award last season, the focus here should be on a member of Seattle’s elite secondary, mainly Earl Thomas or Richard Sherman.
As it relates to New England, Brady won the MVP in two of the team’s previous Super Bowl championships. It stands to reason that he would earn the award should the Patriots win here. However, let’s keep an eye on LeGarrette Blount, who boasts the physicality to be able to do some damage against a stout Seahawks’ defense. He could very well compile multiple goal line scores, which will put him in the mix for the MVP should New England pull out the win.
4. Super Bowl Will Finish as a One-Score Game
While last year’s Super Bowl was one of the most lopsided affairs in the history of the game, five of the previous seven Super Bowls have finished as one score games. Some may conclude that Seattle is heads and shoulders ahead of New England in terms of talent, but there’s no reason to believe that Bill Belichick won’t have his team ready to play in this one.
It’s also important to note that Seattle has not lost a game by double-digits with Russell Wilson under center. That just goes to show us how much Seattle competes on a consistent basis in every game. It’s a testament to head coach Pete Carroll and the staff, but it’s also a representation of that talent level that exists in Seattle. No matter who wins, expect a tight game here.
5. No Running Back Will Gain Triple-Digit Yards
We will have an early understanding of New England’s game plan in the Super Bowl. Offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels could very well look to spread out Seattle’s defense and get his receivers in space with Brady under center. He could also attempt to play to Seattle’s strength and try to run the ball down its throat. Either way, it’s not going to be brain surgery figuring out New England’s scheme early in the game. Whether Seattle can stop it, now that’s another question. Even if LeGarrette Blount plays a big role in the game (see above), it doesn’t necessarily mean he’s going to put up some big yardage numbers against an elite run defense.
On the other side of the ball, New England is going to do everything in its power to stop Marshawn Lynch. This means throwing eight men into the box at times, thus enabling Darrelle Revis and Brandon Browner to play man coverage against a less-than-stellar group of receivers. If Lynch somehow finds a way to have a big game, it’s going to be all about him breaking tackles throughout the afternoon. While that’s a possibility, New England will definitely be scheming against him more than Seattle’s passing game. That should limit Lynch’s total production in the Super Bowl.
Photo: USA Today