NFL Five Questions: Super Bowl LI edition
Super Bowl Sunday is upon us. The Atlanta Falcons and New England Patriots have taken the road to Houston to meet for the ultimate showdown. It’s Tom Brady and Bill Belichick versus Matt Ryan and Julio Jones. Take your pick.
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1. Holiday Monday?
The Monday after Super Bowl Sunday is statistically one of the most popular day for work call-ins and vacation days taken of the year. People gather together with friends and family to enjoy the big game, often partying hard. Sometimes, one could enjoy a day of recuperation before getting back to the daily grind. Besides, it would allow fans a day to either celebrate or grieve the outcome.
2. Bill Belichick’s mastermind?
The Patriots have not been consistent in recent Super Bowl appearances. The New York Giants have seemed to be their kryptonite in the big game; however, this year the Falcons are coming to steal the throne. Belichick will have to be on top of everything to give New England their best opportunity for victory. He’ll have to slow Julio Jones and keep Vic Beasley away from his beloved Tom Brady.
3. Julio Jones to be a major factor?
Julio Jones will have to play a major role on Sunday for Atlanta to have a shot. He makes plays downfield like no other receiver in football. The combination of speed, size, and strength allow Jones to overcome the defense. He plays the ball well and is a threat from all areas of the field. Matt Ryan would be wise to target him no matter what coverage New England shades his way.
4. Who’s flying under the radar?
While Julio Jones requires much of the defensive attention, the Falcons have other playmakers on the outside. Taylor Gabriel and Mohamed Sanu are more than capable of getting open, should Julio Jones be double covered. On the other side, New England has an offense full of playmakers. While there is no significant dominant threat, the Patriots have a number of key contributors; LeGarrette Blount, Julian Edelman, and Chris Hogan to name a few. Their collective effort will give Tom Brady the help he needs.
5. Game Prediction?
Falcons 31; Patriots 28 — expect this to be a close one. It’ll likely come down to who has the ball last. At the end of the day, the Falcons have enormous offensive firepower and New England will struggle to overcome it. Because Atlanta is efficient at both running and passing the ball, Matt Ryan believes they’re one of the most “unpredictable offenses” in the NFL. If they can manage Tom Brady’s effectiveness, Atlanta should be able to come out on top.
Wrap up
That does it for another edition of NFL Five Questions. Super Bowl Sunday is set for people all over the world to come and enjoy the game of football. It’s worldwide effect is astronomical. The amount of money coming in and out from the game is unbelievable. The NFL is a special league that not only its members enjoy, but spectators as well.
— Austin Erwin writes for cover32 and covers the NFL and the Minnesota Vikings. He is the unofficial cover32 Teddy Bridgewater ambassador and can be followed on Twitter @austin_erwin.
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