Super Bowl XLIX: The most likely unsung heroes

WR Brandon LaFell, New England

The Patriots struggled with their offensive game in the first month of the season, and they were criticized as being “predictable” after they got blown out by Kansas City 41-14 in their Week Four Monday night encounter.

Since then, the Patriots have been anything but predictable as they have built a multi-faceted running attack with LeGarrette Blount and Jonas Gray, along with a dangerous passing game.

Brady wants to get the ball to Rob Gronkowski in stride, so the big tight end can use his power to overwhelm linebackers and defensive backs and make big plays after the catch. The quarterback is also dependent on Julian Edelman to run precise short- and medium-range patterns and keep drives alive.

However, both Gronkowski and Edelman are going to draw the full attention of Seattle’s Legion of Boom secondary, and they have an excellent chance of slowing down those two studs. However, wideout Brandon LaFell may not be in the forefront of the Seahawks’ defensive plans.

LaFell is a tall (6-2), fast receiver who can stretch the defense and catch the medium- to long-range pass. The deep ball is not a huge part of the New England gameplan, but Brady may be wise to go long to LaFell early in the game just to shock the Seahawks.

LaFell caught 74 passes for 953 yards and seven touchdowns, and Brady has gained confidence in him as the year has progressed. Look for him to make at least two key plays in this game.

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