Super Bowl 49: 5 keys for the New England Patriots

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Jan 18, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots running back LeGarrette Blount (29) after scoring a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Indianapolis Colts in the AFC Championship Game at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stew Milne-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Establish LeGarrette Blount Early

LeGarrette Blount was signed by the New England Patriots mid-season after being cut by the Pittsburgh Steelers due to walking off the field before a game was completed. He wasn’t happy with the way that he was being used, and he decided to return to the Patriots to make another run at a title.

That move paid off in a big way in the AFC Championship game, when Blount ran all over the Colts for 148 yards and three touchdowns on 30 carries. New England is normally thought of as a passing team with Tom Brady under center, but that wasn’t the case against Indianapolis. They will need to establish the ground game early against the Seattle defense in order to take pressure off of Brady and the aerial attack.

There is no question that Blount possesses the ability and running style to succeed against the Seahawks. New England needs to set the tempo offensively in order to succeed, and picking up the consistent three to four yards on first down will be crucial. That will be Blount’s role, and he is more than capable of producing.

Next: 3. Put Pressure On Russell Wilson

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