After blowout wins by the Falcons and Patriots in the conference championship games, most fans are hoping for more excitement on the NFL’s biggest stage.
Tom Brady vs. Roger Goodell
It is no secret that there is friction between the legendary quarterback and the commissioner of the NFL. Goodell dealt a four game suspension to Brady after the “deflategate” investigation from two seasons ago.
If the Brady wins his fifth Super Bowl, then Goodell might have to hand the Lombardi Trophy to the same person that he fought in federal court.
The Patriots have also been investigated and disciplined by the NFL for “spygate.” In 2007 the Patriots were caught illegally videotaping the New York Jets coaches’ signals.
Potential records for Brady and Bill Belichick
The Brady, Belichick combination has been arguably the best quarterback, coach duo of all time. They now have a chance to all but end that argument by becoming the first quarterback with five Super Bowls and the first coach to reach that same number.
The two began their run in 2001 when Brady became the starting quarterback due to an injury to Drew Bledsoe. New England went on to win the Super Bowl that season and two out of the next three seasons.
Now the Patriots are in their NFL best ninth Super Bowl and the seventh for the Brady, Belichick duo. Since Belichick took over the team in 2000, the team has not gone more than three seasons without a Super Bowl appearance.
The Falcons could win their first Super Bowl
Atlanta has only been to one Super Bowl in franchise history but lost the 1998 game to the Denver Broncos. Now they have a second chance to bring the Lombardi Trophy home for their fans.
The city of Atlanta is in one of the longest droughts in professional sports because they have not won a championship in 21 years. They last time an Atlanta team has won was in 1995 when the Braves won the World Series.
Not only are the Falcons in their first Super Bowl in 18 years, but they are going up against one of the best franchises in NFL history. History will be made one way or the other.
Matt Ryan vs. Tom Brady
Ryan had the best year of his career and is one of the top candidates for offensive MVP. He had more touchdowns and fewer interceptions than he has ever thrown while having the higher quarterback rating in the league.
His 38 touchdowns and 4,944 yards ranks him second in each category. Ryan was efficient with his passing, putting up those numbers while ranking 17 in pass attempts.
Brady had another great year, but his four game suspension hurt his stats. He made the most of the 12 games he played and still threw 28 touchdowns, which tied him for seventh in the league.
Dan Quinn and a young Falcons defense
Quinn was the defensive coordinator when the Patriots beat the Seahawks in Super Bowl 49. He is now in his second season as a head coach and can get revenge for the close loss two seasons ago.
The Falcons defense features three rookies — linebackers De’Vondre Campbell and Deion Jones, and safety Keanu Neal. Although they are playing well now, this young defense could struggle against the Patriots offense in the biggest game of the season.
