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New England Patriots: Top Super Bowl storylines

By Jeffery Reynolds

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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Dec 28, 2014; Foxborough, MA, USA; The New England Patriots defense on the field against the Buffalo Bills in the second half at Gillette Stadium. Buffalo Bills defeated the Patriots 17-9. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 28, 2014; Foxborough, MA, USA; The New England Patriots defense on the field against the Buffalo Bills in the second half at Gillette Stadium. Buffalo Bills defeated the Patriots 17-9. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports /

The Defense Must Match The Offensive Dominance If The Patriots Want To Close The Deal

In 2007 and 2011, the Patriots departed from their Super Bowl winning script from previous years. Instead of relying on a stout running game, timely passing and a stiff defense, they embraced a high powered passing attack. Along the way they set numerous passing records …

… and lost two Super Bowls.

Yes, they got there, but they were unable to put the Giants away either time. The Giants were masterful in their pass rush and coverage schemes that completely disrupted the timing of New England’s passing attack. Set back on their heels, the Patriots were unable to find any balance as the running game was also bottled up.

The defense, on the field too long due to the offense not sustaining drives, eventually wore down and gave up late big plays to lose the game.

Of course, part of this will be a balanced offensive attack. The other part will be a defense that is much more impenetrable than in seasons past. The Patriots ranked 9th in rushing defense and 17th in passing defense in the NFL this season. This is a strength on strength matchup, as Marshawn Lynch is the key to offensive success for Seattle.

If New England’s defense can hold up against Beast Mode, they could be hoisting the Lombardi for the first time in over ten years.

Next: The Gisele Bundchen Factor

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