After months of eager anticipation, we finally have our 2015 Super Bowl matchup.
The Seattle Seahawks pulled off a dramatic comeback against the Green Bay Packers yesterday. Seattle was shut out for much of the game, with their pass rush barely touching Aaron Rodgers and the offense struggling to score. But the Seahawks finally broke through late in the third quarter and then scored 21 points in the game's final six minutes to win in overtime.
The New England Patriots were never in such dire straits during last night's matchup against the Indianapolis Colts. The Pats led for the entire game and won in a 45-7 blowout.
Now, the two victors will meet in the Super Bowl. It will be the second consecutive trip to the big game for the Seahawks, and Tom Brady's NFL record sixth appearance.
As of now, ESPN's NFL Pick Center gives New England a 77 percent chance of victory. The Pats finished the regular season in the top ten for passing yards per game (257.6) and opposing rushing yards per game (104.3). However, it is the team's secondary that is perhaps its biggest strength. Free agent additions Darrelle Revis and Brandon Browner, coupled with safety Devin McCourty, have limited opposing quarterbacks to a 49 percent completion rate with four touchdowns and four interceptions in two playoff games this year. Tight end Rob Gronkwoski, thanks to improved health, has once again emerged as one of the most dangerous mismatches in the entire NFL while LeGarrette Blount has reinvigorated this Patriots' running game.
But don't sleep on the Seahawks. If their unbelievable comeback win over Green Bay didn't get your attention, perhaps these numbers will. Seattle finished first in the NFL in rushing yards per game (172.6), opposing passing yards per game (185.6) and third in opposing rushing yards per game (81.5). They were the league's top overall ranked defense for the second year in a row. Quarterback Russell Wilson enjoyed the best statistical year of his career, setting career highs in passing yards (3,475), rushing yards (849), yards per carry (7.2) and rushing touchdowns (6).
This is a classic matchup of old guard meets new, with the veteran Patriots taking on the upstart Seahawks. Who will win is anyone's guess right now.
