New England Patriots: Super Bowl Preview

If the Patriots want to win on Sunday, there are a few things they will need to do, and a few things they need to avoid. The first key to the game will be ball security and limiting turnovers. Turnovers are one of the easiest ways to lose games, and after Drake Maye’s struggles with fumbling in the playoffs, New England must prioritize ball security if they are going to win. A key factor to ball security will also be protecting Maye. The offensive line will need to have a great performance against a top defense in Seattle, and with two rookies holding down the left side of the line, this could pose some issues. However, if any coaching staff will have these rookies ready, it’s Mike Vrabel and company. Left tackle Will Campbell has had his share of struggles this year, but he has also had his share of great performances. These ups and downs are to be expected out of a rookie, especially at one of the hardest positions in football, but Sunday will be his biggest test yet. If he can hold his own and protect Maye with everything he’s got, the Patriots will be in good shape. 

Another key to the Super Bowl will be taking advantage of opportunities as they present themselves. The Seahawks have arguably the best defense in the NFL, and the Patriots will need to take advantage of every possession. The past few weeks of the playoffs, New England has been playing in the cold and snow, so the hope is they can get back on track in the California sunshine this weekend. There is a chance we could see a Drake Maye masterclass, especially with two weeks of preparation. Offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels has always been an offensive guru, but when it comes to big games, he usually has a few extra tricks up his sleeve. This is ideal with a weapon like Drake Maye at quarterback, so we will hopefully see Maye get back to his mid-season form on Sunday.

Can the New England defense continue to dominate?

The New England defense has been almost unstoppable during the playoffs, and they will need to continue their run on Sunday against a talented Seahawks offense. The engine of the defense will continue to be their stellar defensive line with Milton Williams and Christian Barmore creating havoc for Seattle quarterback Sam Darnold. Darnold is prone to turnovers, and if the pass rush can consistently have him running for his life, we could see some potential interceptions for the Patriots. Not to mention New England has one of the best corners in the game in Christian Gonzalez who will be in for a serious challenge against Seattle receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba. However, if Darnold is under pressure, it will make Gonzalez’s job much easier, and we could even see him take advantage with an interception if all goes to plan. Overall, one of my most intriguing matchups to watch on Sunday will be Gonzalez against Smith-Njigba, and it could be a matchup that might decide who lifts the Lombardi.

How much of an impact will the coaching have?

One of the biggest factors in the Super Bowl is always coaching. There are so many unknowns with the Super Bowl, such as the long halftime, all the pressure of being on the biggest stage the NFL has to offer, and the extra media attention to name a few. The coaching factor is where the Patriots have the advantage. Mike Vrabel played and won multiple Super Bowls, and Josh McDaniels coached in a few as well. This will be ideal for New England since their coaches can prepare them for all the different parts of playing in a Super Bowl compared to just a regular playoff game. And we can’t forget that Vrabel always thrives under pressure. So in momentum swinging situations or different calls that need to be made, all of New England can count on Coach Vrabel to do his part and get the job done.

Which Patriots players will have the biggest impact on Sunday?

The easy answer to this question is obviously Drake Maye. If the potential MVP can play to his full potential, it will be very difficult for the Seahawks to keep up. But if he struggles, then it could be a long night for New England fans. Now who are some of the other Patriots players who could determine the Super Bowl outcome? Defensive tackle Milton Williams is one of the best players on the whole roster, so if he catches fire and dominates, the Patriots will have a much easier road to victory. The same can be said for cornerback Christian Gonzalez who will have his work cut out for him against Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Some other names to watch are players like Stefon Diggs who is playing in his first ever Super Bowl, and is a name to look out for as a potential breakout player Sunday night. He has had a slow couple of weeks in the playoffs, but now that the brightest lights have turned on, we could see the true alpha receiver that Diggs has been in the past emerge once more. 

There are also a few players that could have just one play that could swing the entire momentum of the game. Some big play threats like Treveyon Henderson, Kyle Williams, and Marcus Jones come to mind. If Henderson can break one of his carries into one of his signature fifty plus yard runs, it would be huge in not just the momentum of the game, but the entire morale of the Patriots team. The same can be said for receiver Kyle Williams, who is a deep ball threat that consistently gets separation down the field. The hope is that Maye will be able to take a couple deep shots with the nicer weather in California, and if Williams can haul one in, it would have a huge impact on the game. And lastly, Marcus Jones is the best punt returner in the NFL. So if he gets a chance to return a couple, all it will take is one small opportunity for him to completely shift the momentum of the NFL’s biggest game. Overall, the Patriots will need multiple players to step up on Sunday, but the question is, how many will be up to the task? And who will leave their mark on history?