Super Bowl 49: Whose legacy will be most affected?

Apr. 2, 2013; Tempe, AZ, USA; Detailed view of the Super Bowl champions ring on the hand of Arizona Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians during a press conference to announce the signing of quarterback Carson Palmer (not pictured) at the Cardinals practice facility. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

12 of 12

Feb 5, 2014; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks secondary players of the Legion of Boom at Super Bowl XLVIII victory parade on 4th Avenue. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

Can The Legion Of Boom Join The 85 Bears, The 2001 Ravens, The Parcells Giants And the Steel Curtain As Best Defense Ever?

Positive Legacy Prospects:

The Legion of Boom just absolutely dismantled Peyton Manning and the Broncos in Super Bowl XLVIII. A similar performance in Super Bowl XVIX against Tom Brady will give them an eye-popping 11-0 record against Super Bowl winning quarterbacks.

Seattle is the first team since the Vikings in 1969-71 to lead the league in scoring defense three years in a row. They also finished No. 1 in total defense the past two years.

A second straight Super Bowl win that included a destruction of a Hall of Fame quarterback would necessarily have to vault the 2013-15 Seattle Seahawks defense smack dab into the middle of the discussion of best all time defenses.

Negative Legacy Prospects:

Nothing could be more stark. If the Legion of Boom allows Brady and Company to win the Super Bowl, they will have lost their claim. No more discussions of history.

Next: Who makes up the all-time Super Bowl team?

Home/New England Patriots