As each round of the NFL playoffs approaches, we’ve been re-ranking the remaining post-season teams vying for the Super Bowl differently. This week is Super Bowl matchups: Drama edition.
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Like every other pro sports league on the planet, the NFL loves its drama. We’ve all witnessed that first hand in the two weeks leading up Super Bowl XLIX.
Lost in all of the madness that’s ensued since that fateful Monday morning after Championship Weekend is, you know, that game on Sunday, and all the captivating matchups it has to offer.
But it wouldn’t be the NFL without at least a little drama, so the following matchups are not only battles we think will be crucial to the outcome of Sunday’s game, but are ranked by how much of a sideshow each one has the potential to be, from least to most.
5) Patriots pass rush versus Seahawks offensive line
Russell Wilson struggled mightily for most of the NFC Championship against the Green Bay Packers, and that was for one reason: he was never comfortable.
Led by disruptive veteran Julius Peppers, the Packers ravaged the Seahawks’ offensive line, sacking Wilson six times, hitting him nine other times and just getting after him a whole lot more. And it got ugly.
The third-year quarterback had one of his worst games as a pro, throwing four interceptions to just one touchdown (a huge one, mind you) with a dismal 44.3 quarterback rating.
If the Patriots can employ Chandler Jones or Jamie Collins in a similar way, and have Darrelle Revis, Brandon Browner and Devin McCourty shutting it down in the secondary, things could get ugly for Seattle’s passing attack.
But what if New England can’t get pressure? Look out, because Wilson and company could go off.
Like the next item on the list, this isn’t the sexiest of matchups, but it’s bound to cause some game-altering plays one way or the other.
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4) Bill Belichick versus Pete Carroll
These two coaches couldn’t be any more different.
Belichick’s interactions with the media are usually laughable; short, to-the-point answers in a monotone voice, his replies sometimes rivaling that of Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch (“We’re on to Cincinnati,” anyone?). On the other side of the coin, Carroll is engaging and enthusiastic, almost philosophical in his responses.
And there’s a distinct difference in how their teams play; you know what you’re getting with Seattle, both on offence and defence, but they dare you to stop it. Meanwhile, Belichick will find whatever makes a team weak, on both sides of the ball, and exploit it … over and over and over.
These differences are part of the reason Super Bowl XLIX is so fascinating, and while this battle of minds may not be as flashy as the other matchups listed below, it sure means a helluva lot — especially considering Carroll was the coach in New England before they hired Belichick in 2000. This one is personal for the Seahawks coach.
3) Marshawn Lynch versus LeGarrette Blount
Coming into this week, who knew Lynch would be the one catching the most heat. Beast Mode’s single-phrase press conferences and unapproved headwear – we’re calling it “Hat-gate” – has vaulted the Seahawks running back to the forefront.
Well, Tom Brady and Belichick are thankful.
Both Lynch and Blount are surrounded by negativity off the field, but each is known for a punishing running style. With a game featuring solid secondaries and formidable pass rushes, these backs have the potential to steal the show on Sunday night.
How good would that be? Blount, kicked out of Pittsburgh and without a team in late November (the Patriots’ next scandal?), carrying New England to its fourth Super Bowl since 2001 as the team’s best-ever post-season rusher.
Or Lynch, dubbed Public Enemy No. 1 by many in the media, pulling off another beastly game to make Seattle the first back-to-back winners since Brady and Belichick in Super Bowl 38 and 39, while quieting critics with his play rather than his words.
The possibilities are almost too much to handle.
2) Rob Gronkowski versus Legion of Boom
Between Lynch and that whole deflated footballs thing, the real intrigue of Super Bowl XLIX has been ignored. That intrigue begins with Gronk and Sunday’s showdown with the Seahawks secondary. Come kick off Sunday, all eyes will be on Mr. Gronkowski.
Out of all the defences in the NFL, Seattle has the group that offers the best chance of shutting down the game-changing tight end. But with the Legion of Boom’s injury concerns (which has also been largely ignored), Gronkowski could expose them.
Either way it goes, the sideshow will offer a top notch Super Bowl snack. Gronkowski wins the matchup and we’re served a Super Bowl Gronking with a side of his world-renowned dance moves.
Should the LOB come out on top, we’re likely to consume massive hits, clutch interceptions and some Dwayne Johnson-like celebrations.
I declare this a win-win for all.
1) Tom Brady versus Richard Sherman
Out of all the matchups Super Bowl XLVI will give to fans, this one has the chance to produce the most drama — a cornucopia of potential on-the-field shenanigans and trash talk.
While Brady’s got a “Golden Boy” persona off the field, he’s been known to chirp as well as lose it between the sidelines, while Sherman is, well, you know.
Plus, this matchup has history, and is it ever juicy. Starting with the tweet that made Sherman famous back in Oct. 2012…
…and continuing with the league’s best cornerback giving NFL fans a deeper look into Brady’s on-field behaviour.
Sunday is going to be fun.
