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Super Bowl 49: 5 keys for the New England Patriots

By Evan Massey

Jan 18, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) hushes the crowd during the second quarter against the Indianapolis Colts in the AFC Championship Game at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 18, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) hushes the crowd during the second quarter against the Indianapolis Colts in the AFC Championship Game at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 23, 2014; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch (24) runs for yards after the catch against the Arizona Cardinals during the third quarter at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 23, 2014; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch (24) runs for yards after the catch against the Arizona Cardinals during the third quarter at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Force Marshawn Lynch Outside

Perhaps the most obviously key for the New England Patriots is to find a way to slow star running back Marshawn Lynch down. He took over the game for the Seattle Seahawks in the NFC Championship game against the Green Bay Packers, and is more than capable of doing the exact same thing against the Patriots. Against Green Bay, he ended up carrying the football 25 times for 157 yards and a touchdown.

New England cannot afford to let him run through the middle, or else they will suffer the same kind of fate. They need to force him to the outside and force him to make plays with speed rather than strength.

Lynch is still more than capable of making plays around the outside, but it would be much more difficult on him. Not allowing him to blow through holes in the middle also forces him to run farther, and hopefully wear him out. The Patriots have the defensive ability to slow Lynch down, and this is the best way to do it.

Next: 2. Establish LeGarrette Blount Early

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