The ingredients are there with two NFL MVP candidate quarterbacks, and an intriguing storyline that pits a downtrodden franchise that has never attained the pinnacle against a villain organization that is threatening to reach rarefied air.
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Both Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan and Patriots quarterback Tom Brady are among the top contenders for the NFL’s Most Valuable Player award.
He lead a vaunted New York Giants defense to two Super Bowl wins in the 1980’s over some stiff NFC competition and followed Bill Parcells in his journey to New England in the early 90’s, helping the Patriots get to the 1996 Super Bowl against the Green Bay Packers. Nora Princiotti has a look at the Super Bowl noobs.
It seemed as if everyone in Nevada held a betting position on the Super Bowl a year ago, when gamblers wagered a record-high $132.5 million on the game. He’s battling a toe injury but is expected to be good to go for the Super Bowl.
This time around, Brady is the only remaining player from that Patriots team.
Brady also owns the record for pass completions (164) overall in a single game (37).
After winning the legal battle but losing the public-relations war against Brady by suspending him for four games for alleged ball deflation, Goodell has been no closer to New England than his Park Avenue office.
A victor of one career postseason game before this year’s playoffs, Atlanta quarterback Matt Ryan threw seven touchdowns (no interceptions) during impressive wins over Seattle and Green Bay. Up against the New England defense, it’s a match-up in which the Falcons have several advantages. With 11 AFC championship games? His presence will have Colts fans around the country hoping he can get one final sack, or two, on Brady. When the Patriots lost to Seattle in Week 8, Brady fumbled an exchange at the goal line on a quarterback sneak. Smith scored nine rushing touchdowns. “It’s been great to be able to share it with them”. And the players nailed that in terms of our first- and second-down stuff. Brady responded the same way he faces a 3rd and 12.
Wide receivers Chris Hogan, Danny Amendola, rookie Malcolm Mitchell and newcomer Michael Floyd can each be risky in their own ways. We have yet to even mention what Devonta Freeman and Tevin Coleman provide out of the backfield.
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Great minds think alike, and the great minds of Belichick and Brady are constantly evolving.
