New England Patriots: Top Super Bowl storylines

Jan 24, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Deflated footballs with Super Bowl XLIX logo at the NFL Experience at Phoenix Convention Center in advance of the game between the Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 24, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Deflated footballs with Super Bowl XLIX logo at the NFL Experience at Phoenix Convention Center in advance of the game between the Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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January 10, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman (25) reacts after free safety Earl Thomas (29) intercepts a pass against the Carolina Panthers during the first half in the 2014 NFC Divisional playoff football game at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
January 10, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman (25) reacts after free safety Earl Thomas (29) intercepts a pass against the Carolina Panthers during the first half in the 2014 NFC Divisional playoff football game at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

Super Bowl Lore Is Littered With Bulletin Board Material, And Seattle Likes To Talk

Will the Patriots find extra motivation from some pointed commentary from Seattle’s most famous talkers?

It may have already happened. Cornerback Jeremy Lane said that Rob Gronkowski “isn’t that good”:

"He does have a big body, (but) from what I’ve seen on tape, he don’t like your hands being put on him. So if we put our hands on him and shake him up a little bit, he won’t catch that many balls as he should."

You can bet there will be follow up questions from reporters trying to get Lane to double down, or trying to get Gronk to respond.

Both teams already have a lot to prove. Both teams are also filled to the brim with confident bordering on cocky players who know how good they are and love to talk.

Media availability days this week should be must see television.

Next: Who are the greatest QB/Coach combos in NFL history?