Super Bowl 49: 5 keys for the New England Patriots
By Evan Massey
3. Put Pressure On Russell Wilson
The Seattle Seahawks showed some major weaknesses in the NFC Championship game against the Green Bay Packers, and Russell Wilson played one of the worst games of his career. He ended up throwing four interceptions, and that was in large part due to the pressure that the Packers were able to put on him.
That is exactly what the New England Patriots’ defense is going to have to find a way to do. Wilson is a very normal quarterback when he is contained and pressured, and Green Bay proved that last week. The Patriots have the personnel to get the job done, but they are going to need everyone to step up in a big way.
Players like Rob Ninkovich, Chandler Jones, and Akeem Ayers are going to be asked to step up in a big way among others.
If the Patriots can force a Seahawks’ turnover or two, they are going to be in good shape. New England is a much more aggressive team than the Packers, and they won’t allow a big lead to slip away if they can jump on Seattle earlier. Putting pressure on Wilson and forcing him to make a mistake or two needs to be a big part of the Seahawks’ game plan on Sunday.
Next: 4. No Risk Taking By Tom Brady