NFL Super Bowl LI positional matchups
When gearing up to watch an epic NFL Super Bowl like the one we are about to witness, knowing is half the battle. The more knowledge and information one can collect and gather, the greater of a football mind they will come across as during the epic game’s party.
In order to pick a victor before the game starts, one must first look at all the pieces of the puzzle; such as which team is better suited at each position talent-wise. There is no better place to begin than the cover32 matchup table.
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If a team is better equipped at a certain position, that does not mean that they necessarily matchup well against the defending position. For example, just because the New England Patriots are more experienced on the big stage, does not mean they will be able to cover Julio Jones and the rest of the fleet-footed Atlanta Falcons’ receiving corps.
Matchup table
Position | Falcons | Patriots |
Coaching | Dan Quinn has been worth his weight in gold and has Super Bowl experience but come on, he is going against Bill Belichick. | Bill Belichick, enough said; Patriots take this one. |
Offensive Line | Tough one here as the Falcons have given up less sacks in the playoffs but were far worse during the course of the regular season. | The Patriots only gave up 24 sacks all season; good enough for fifth best in the NFL. |
Quarterbacks | Matt Ryan is playing lights out right now but nothing can compare to Brady in the Super Bowl. | Tom Brady is the Super Bowl’s golden child and arguably the greatest of all-time. |
Running Backs | Both very close here but the combination of Devonta Freeman and Tevin Coleman give Atlanta the slight edge. | The running backs on this roster would have trouble having the same success if they went to another team. |
Receivers | Julio Jones is the best receiver in this game but it’s their other receivers’ ability that makes this offense truly special. | Much like the running backs, the receivers are best suited for this offense and are very effective. The only downfall is none of their names are Julio Jones. |
Defensive Line | Seemingly better throughout the playoffs, yet they ranked 17th against the run this season. | Alan Branch may be the most important piece of the Patriots’ defense against the Falcons’ run game. |
Linebackers | A very young corps group but all the player are interchangeable and fast; Vic Beasley leads the league in sacks. | They do just enough to stand out yet the Falcons take this one with their athletic ability. |
Defensive Backs | Young and athletic; Keanu Neal is a star in the making yet they are too vulnerable to the big play. | These guys are strong and aggressive; the perfect mix of talent and intelligence is a dangerous combination. |
Special teams | Footballoutsiders.com gives the slight edge to New England. | Neither team has given up a return of any kind but the Patriots have one return to their name this postseason already. |
Total | 3 | 6 |
As the matchup table suggests, a slight edge goes to the Patriots, meaning absolutely nothing when an offense like the Falcons takes the field. As long as Falcons’ offensive coordinator, Kyle Shanahan, can keep track of his playbook, Atlanta should be able to keep pace with Brady and the Patriots’ offense.
Since the Patriots win the matchup battle, does that mean they will win Super Bowl LI? Not necessarily; however, it does mean they should have the advantage heading into Sunday’s big game. Telling by the fact that most Vegas’ oddsmakers are favoring the Patriots by three points, they tend to agree with giving the edge to New England.
Another caveat for the matchups is the fact that neither team really blows the other away in any given category. One uncharacteristic play from either team could break this game wide open, giving the favor to the team that plays mistake-free-ball.
Regardless of how the Super Bowl LI matchups play out, it should be one hell of a game. Will the experience of the Patriots be too much for first-time Super Bowl signal caller and MVP front runner Ryan, or does he remain too hot for the Patriots, pulling off the minor upset? Only four days stand between the world and these answers.
— covers the NFL for cover32 and can be reached on Twitter @thesportscrib21.
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