Super Bowl XLIX: The most likely unsung heroes

Sep 4, 2014; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks linebacker Bobby Wagner (54) tackles Green Bay Packers receiver Randall Cobb (18) at CenturyLink Field. The Seahawks defeated the Packers 36-16. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 4, 2014; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks linebacker Bobby Wagner (54) tackles Green Bay Packers receiver Randall Cobb (18) at CenturyLink Field. The Seahawks defeated the Packers 36-16. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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DE Michael Bennett, Seattle

The Seahawks’ secondary gets most of the attention and headlines, but that unit gets plenty of support from the front four.

No matter how talented the Seahawks’ back four is, it would not be able to do an effective job if the front four wasn’t going to put consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks.

No pass rusher on the team is more important than defensive end Michael Bennett, who led the team with 7.0 sacks. While that total doesn’t rank with the best pass rushers in the NFL, Bennett has an array of moves that allow him to get into the backfield with regularity.

Not only can he get to the quarterback, his long arms give him the ability to alter the quarterback’s throw and that leads to interceptions. Bennett is also solid against the run, and if the Pats can’t control him, they will have a hard time establishing consistency.

Next: Ninkovich a difference-maker for Pats