HOUSTON — Does Matt Ryan get his first ring and move into a select group of Super-winning quarterbacks or does Tom Brady solidify his case for the greatest of all-time with ring No. 5?
Atlanta vs. New England appears to be one of the more evenly matched Super Bowls in recent memory. A look at the keys to the game and the most important matchups.
Three things to watch
- The experience bubble — The Patriots have made themselves a home in the playoffs, and the Super Bowl, over the past decade. It starts with their head coach, Bill Belichick, and their quarterback, Tom Brady. Although Atlanta head coach Dan Quinn won, and lost, a Super Bowl while an assistant with Seattle, this is a new experience for most of the Falcons organization. The first 10 minutes will be interesting to watch to see how Atlanta adjusts to the big stage.
- Patience, please — The Falcons explosive offense has made defenses look silly all season, but the Patriots defense figures to be their biggest test yet. Quarterback Matt Ryan will likely have to settle for more checkdowns than he has all season if the Falcons hope to win. He needs to stay patient against a defense that penalizes quarterbacks when they get overly aggressive. It’ll be intriguing to see if Ryan can avoid forcing the ball trying to get a big play, particularly if Atlanta falls behind early. Atlanta must grind out methodical drives.
- Vic Beasley vs. Marcus Cannon — Pass rushers change games. In Super Bowl 50, it was the Broncos’ Von Miller and DeMarcus Ware combining for 4 1/2 sacks of Cam Newton. Beasley, the NFL’s sack leader, may need a Miller-like performance for this team to win this game. Patriots right tackle Marcus Cannon, the man Miller blew past for 2 1/2 sacks in the 2016 AFC Championship game, has played well all season.
Game plan
When the Patriots run — Only Ezekiel Elliott had more carries than LeGarrette Blount this season. When the Patriots offense is at its best, Blount is running over defenders and scoring touchdowns. Atlanta’s defense is lighter than most. Expect a heavy dose of Blount, a power runner. When running backs Dion Lewis and James White come in, they add a quicker dimension. Atlanta’s defensive line has excelled in the playoffs after struggling early this season. How the Patriots guards handle the Falcons’ stunts could decide the game. Edge: Patriots
When the Falcons run — Talk to any Broncos defender about why they lost to the Falcons and they’ll almost immediately point to the running backs, Tevin Coleman and Devonta Freeman. They are a handful to keep up with as receivers, but the Falcons rushing attack also was good, ranking fifth in the NFL. New England has the third best running defense in the league, led by defensive tackle Alan Branch. Edge: Falcons
When the Patriots pass — With New England, it’s less about the talent and more about the scheme. Brady is a master of running a quick-hitting scheme with his ability to exploit even the slightest mismatch and his on-point accuracy making stars out of receivers such as Chris Hogan. The Falcons play a lot of zone coverage, which typically isn’t the way to beat Brady. Atlanta’s 28th-ranked pass defense must be prepared to switch it up or be torched. Edge: Patriots
When the Falcons pass — Wide receiver Julio Jones will demand extra attention for most of the game and still could end up with 100+ receiving yards. The key will be what the other Falcons’ receivers do. The Falcons are 5-0 when Jones has 60 or fewer receiving yards because of the lanes he opens up for Freeman, Coleman, Mohamed Sanu, Taylor Gabriel and others. Malcolm Butler and Devin McCourty may need to make their mark with turnovers. Edge: Falcons.
Special teams — If Sunday’s game comes down to a game-winning field goal, it’d be hard to bet against either kicker. Matt Bryant and Stephen Gostkowski both have the accuracy, leg strength and clutch to be the hero. Returners may shift the scale one way or the other. The Patriots have had troubles fielding the ball on kicks, with five muffs and two lost fumbles. Edge: Falcons