One more win. One. More. Win. That's basically been my mantra for the past 2 weeks. It still feels surreal to me that New England, my Patriots, are in the Super Bowl(again). I mean, Brady's playing in his 6th, going for his 4th ring, while Revis is playing in his first. This team has a great mix of young guys and vets. Exactly what you on a Championship team...
After a roller coaster season full of question marks, plenty of "what the heck are you doing?" moments, and a legion of doubters since week 1, I've never been more proud to be a fan of this team. Honestly, what other team can overcome adversity and endless allegations as well as the Patriots? No one. This is a team that sticks together through thick and thin, good and bad, whatever is thrown their way. Remember week 4? We were going to miss the playoffs, Brady was washed up, and the dynasty was over. They used the negativity and doubt as motivation to fuel for their journey to the Super Bowl. I completely believe that the same will hold true tomorrow, after having to hear about deflategate non-stop, the past 2 weeks. See, that's just what the Patriots do; we like to prove people wrong. In fact, that's why I like going into this game as the underdog. And honestly, we should be dubbed as the underdogs. Seattle's defense just has the edge. But you know Brady's playing with a chip on his shoulder. Okay, maybe a couple chips on his shoulders. There's the whole "haven't won since Spygate" thing, the deflategate nonsense, the doubts from earlier this season, and the fact that this Super Bowl is in the same stadium where we lost to the Giants, and our dreams of the having the first 'perfect' season were crushed. Brady's still heartbroken over that. What Patriots fan isn't?
Welcome to the greatest show on turf, the biggest stage in all of sports...
A game with probably the two best and most well-rounded teams in the NFL is bound to be a good one. Maybe even legendary. I don't see either team getting blown out. They're both too good for that. But I don't necessarily see it coming down to the wire, either. Obviously, I would love for New England to have the game put away with about 5 minutes left in the game. I'm talking like -no way in the world Seattle can come back- put away. Not just getting comfortable and conservative with a 7 point lead. I don't care if it's the first quarter or the last 50 seconds of the fourth, I never want the Pats to get conservative. No mercy.
Seattle's defense is obviously no joke. Their offense is also pretty good. Marshawn Lynch is probably the biggest threat to us. But containing Russell Wilson is also a must. Our defense will have their hands full the entire game. And I hope that our defense shows up prepared to play and ready to shut down Seattle. I hope they disrupt the Seahawks' passing game and running game, and consistently get pressure on Wilson. Lock it down. Revis needs another pick, too.
Offensively: protecting Brady is key. Give him time in the pocket and I like our chances. I hope Jules embarrasses Sherman. I really do. I hope Edelman has the best game of his life tomorrow night; because I doubt Brady's going to hesitate to throw in #25's direction. While I hope that Gronk and Edelman both have huge nights, I think 'littler' guys like Tim Wright and Amendola and Tyms really become the difference makers. I think a good combination of Gray and Blount is the perfect formula, as far as our ground game goes. Shake it up just enough to 1) confuse Seattle and 2) continuously be productive. I hope McDaniel's has a wicked great game plan tomorrow night, for a full 60 minutes. Protecting Brady is key. Give him time in the pocket and I like our chances.
THE New England Patriots.
Ignore the noise. Never give up. I hope we never trail but if we do, remember we can come back; we've done it before, we can do it again. Give it all you've got for a full 60 minutes. Remember every negative or annoying thing ever said about you, and use that as motivation. Take it out on Seattle. Prove the doubters wrong. Remember how hard you've worked for this and how far you've come, as individuals and as a team. Never let the moment seem too big. Don't let the hype get the best of you. Most importantly, do your job.
Less than 24 hours to go. I'm feeling good but also a bit nervous. Like an excited anxious feeling. I believe in this team and like I've been saying, something just feels different about this season. I love this team and PatsNation. One more win.
As always, GO PATS.
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