Here we are: the final football game between now and the start of high school football season in August. Super Bowl LI promises to be a great matchup, pitting the top offense of the Atlanta Falcons against the NFL’s best scoring defense in the New England Patriots. While the Patriots have continued to dominate, this could very well be the year the Falcons break through the glass ceiling and win their first title.
Atlanta’s Offense Is Peaking At The Right Time
The Falcons offense has been lighting up the scoreboard during the regular season. Just when you think they can’t get any better, they’ve done just that. In two playoff games, the Falcons have averaged 40 points per game in wins against the Seattle Seahawks and Green Bay Packers. Matt Ryan has put up MVP-caliber numbers while Julio Jones continues to make opposing secondaries look foolish.
A big difference this season has been the emergence of other playmakers outside of those two. Devonta Freeman and Tevin Coleman have emerged as a powerful, bruising duo of running backs while free-agent pickup Mohamed Sanu and Taylor Gabriel have each had their moments in the spotlight this season.
The Patriots do have a very good defense. However, this will be by far the biggest test they have faced this season against an offense that has been rolling over good teams offensively this season.
Falcons Defense Starting To Come Around
Speaking of defense, most projected that the Falcons defense would be the Achilles heel of the journey to the Super Bowl. But, in the postseason, they held Russell Wilson and Co. in check and shut out Aaron Rodgers and the Packers during the first half of the NFC Championship game.
The Falcons ability to fluster the quarterback and force turnovers have catalyzed the recent turnaround. Deion Jones and Vic Beasley have turned into a great pass-rushing duo while the secondary has stepped up with timely plays of their own.
With the way the offense has been playing, the defense doesn’t need to shut down Tom Brady. They just need to contain him and give their offense more opportunities to put up points. If the aggressive play continues, Atlanta will be in very good shape.
The Falcons Are Ready For The Moment
Yes, it seems like the Patriots are here in this position every year. The Falcons, on the other hand, are making just their second ever Super Bowl appearance. There is something to be said for a team that enters the game with confidence and a “We’re not going to lose” vibe to them. I believe that the Falcons have that in spades this year and are ready to step onto the game’s biggest stage and take the Lombardi Trophy to Atlanta for the first time.
Prediction: Falcons 35, Patriots 28
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