Super Bowl LI: Ballsy Predictions

It’s the beginning of February which signifies several noteworthy things: a) your New Year’s resolution is already in the crapper b) “The Donald” is a new hair style offered at your resident salon and c) the New England Patriots have made it to another Super Bowl.  As much as I am looking forward to the Big Game, I am equally dreading it. No, I’m not dreading gaining another 10 pounds in chips and beer weight but rather the thought of Tom Brady lifting another damn trophy over his head makes me sick.  Speaking of indigestion, let’s look at some ballsy predictions about Sunday’s match up between the New England Patriots and the Atlanta Falcons in Super Bowl LI.

Tom Brady v. Matt Ryan

As much as it pains me to write it, Patriot’s quarterback, Tom Brady is as elite at the QB position as it gets.  He turns
guys who played lacrosse in college into stars (Chris Hogan). Hell, even I could catch a pass from Brady in the end zone (if, of course, my hands weren’t full of chips and beer). With 3554 passing yards and 28 TDs this season, Brady doesn’t match up on paper to Ryan’s 4944 yards and 38 TDs but his accuracy is key. On the big stage Brady will remain as cool as the other side of the pillow. Ryan and the Falcons, on the other hand, have something to prove. Coming off three losing seasons in a row, the Falcons are in a position to finally redeem themselves. Unfortunately, Ryan’s amazing run will be over shadowed by a loss in Super Bowl LI.

Ballsy Prediction #1:  Brady- zero interceptions.  Ryan – 2 interceptions.

Julio Jones v. All Patriots Receivers

Falcons star wide receiver, Julio Jones, has over 1400 receiving yards in 2016 and with 9 TDs he has been arguably the number one receiver in the league this season.  But let’s be honest. Jones is Ryan’s favorite target giving him ample opportunity to rack up the yards and run it into the end zone.  Unlike Ryan, Brady doesn’t play favorites when it comes to his receivers.  I’m not even sure he knows who he is throwing the ball to half the time but rather sees an open Patriots jersey down field and hauls it up.  This is again why Brady’s accuracy is key.  New England’s receivers are not elite pro bowl types but between the mastermind offensive coordination and Brady’s gift for accuracy, opportunities are created.  This match up means one lone Falcon against a Patriots Brigade.

Ballsy Predication #2:  Julio Jones – 110 yds, 1 TD.  Patriots Receivers – 220 total receiving yards, 3 TDs

Devonta Freeman v. LeGarrette Blount

The match up between Falcons running back, Devonta Freeman and Patriots running back LeGarrette Blount is an even playing field.  In 2016, they have accumulated similar rushing yardage and are sharing playing time with Tevin Coleman and Dion Lewis, respectively.  Tom Brady is just too good at the quarterback position and the Pats are too much of a passing offense to give their running backs time to shine.  Let’s face it, the one and perhaps only rushing TD this Sunday could come from Brady himself.  Freeman, Blount and/or their respective side kicks are likely to score TDs this Sunday but the rushing yards will be less than spectacular.

Bold Prediction #3:  No single running back in Super Bowl LI will rush for over 100 yards.

Falcons Defense v. Patriots Defense

New England’s defense has really stepped it up in the playoffs to make the Patriots a well rounded unit.  Holding the Pittsburgh Steelers to 17 points in the AFC championship game was no easy task not to mention holding Houston to 16 points in the divisional round.  In six of their regular season games Atlanta’s defense allowed opponents over 25 points even when the Falcons won. Atlanta’s offense is largely responsible for getting them to the Super Bowl and there’s no way they’ll be able to keep the Pats under 20 points come Sunday.

Bold Prediction #4: The Patriot’s defense will get their first pick 6 of the season.

Jules Rules:  I predict a memorable Sunday on the horizon.  Whether that be due to the Roger Goodell and Brady face-off or the Falcons pulling off the improbable, we’ll just have to wait and see.

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