Super Bowl 2015: Biggest Storylines

Injuries: Richard Sherman and Earl Thomas

There are two key injuries to watch for during the game on Sunday: Richard Sherman’s elbow injury and Earl Thomas’ shoulder injury.

Both, Thomas and Sherman were injured in the NFC Championship Game against the Green Bay Packers, but both players stayed in the game after receiving some treatment and finished the game.

Sherman was back in practice as a full participant this week. Thomas missed a few practices, but both are expected to play on Sunday.

Sherman looked like he hyperextended his elbow when Kam Chancellor flew in for a big hit against the Packers and Sherman’s elbow took most of the blow from Chancellor’s helmet. Sherman held his arm like a sling the rest of the game wasn’t really tested again by Aaron Rodgers.

In the Super Bowl, I doubt Sherman’s elbow injury will have much of an impact, but there’s always a possibility. Sherman is a very handsy corner and if he isn’t able to jam receivers at the line, there’s a possibility the Patriots receivers could get a little extra separation.

For Seahawks fans, Thomas’s injury is the one they should be worried about. It’s been reported that Thomas suffered a separated shoulder against the Packers and he has pledged to play “fearless” in the Super Bowl.

Thomas is one of the best and hardest-hitting safeties in the league. From his safety spot pre-snap, Thomas can meet the running back two or three yards from the line of scrimmage, and he can drop 15 yards deeper into coverage in basically the same amount of time.

I don’t doubt his will, but will Thomas’ shoulder hold up the entire game trying to bring down the Patriots bruising running back LaGarrette Blount over and over again?

That’s a big area to watch on Sunday.

The Seahawks have the best run defense in the NFL, but in their two playoff games, Seattle is averaging 130-plus rushing yards per game. In all four of their losses this season, Seattle gave up more than 100 rushing yards in each game.

If New England is going to win, they have to establish the running game and try to use Seattle’s conservative attack against them by limiting possessions. With Blount’s 30 carries for 148 yards against the Indianapolis Colts, New England has the ability to run the ball against the Seahawks and exploit a banged up Earl Thomas, but will they?

We’ll find out on Sunday.

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