Inside the Iggles Super Bowl XLIX Predictions
By Todd Duvall
Jan 18, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) pumps his fists as he heads to the sideline in the fourth quarter against the Indianapolis Colts the AFC Championship Game at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
Nick Takacs, Staff Writer
Can New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady figure out the Seattle Seahawks defense? The answer to that question will go a long way in determining this year’s Super Bowl champion when the Patriots face the Seahawks this Sunday. While Seahawks’ quarterback Russell Wilson has the chance to win back-to-back rings, Brady and Patriots head coach Bill Belichick can cement their NFL legacy with a convincing win.
Over the past two weeks, you’ve been bombarded with stories about “Deflate-gate” and the Patriots being labeled as cheaters. And if you’ve managed to avoid that media circus, look no further than Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch, although in his case it’s a problem of not making enough noise. Lost in this mess are Brady and Wilson, one quarterback at the end of an era, and the other at the beginning of one. Winning the game may simply come down to who wants it more?
While Wilson has shown the ability to escape pressure and create plays with his legs, the doubters came in full force after his interception-fest against the Green Bay Packers. Thankfully, the “Legion of Boom” Seahawks D bailed him out. With the Patriots, they cannot simply rely on their D to bail them out should Brady not play to his potential. The one saving grace for Brady is his tight end Rob Gronkowski. Gronk may become the X-factor for this Super Bowl.
When the dust settles, I expect Brady-Belichick to outplay Wilson and Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll. The Seahawks are stacked for future championship runs. The Patriots may be reaching the end of a legendary decade of success. Coach and quarterback could conceivably walk off into the sunset as 4-time Super Bowl Champions as Patriots. A fitting end to their careers, and a firm statement to all the doubters.
I don’t think it will be easy, and both teams will have to give it everything. This won’t be a repeat of last year when Seattle blew out another legendary quarterback Peyton Manning. The Denver Broncos as a whole played flat in that game, and the Seahawks made them pay. The Patriots should provide quality opposition, and ultimately prevail at the end of a close contest.