By: Nick Frieburger
The brightest stage in all of sports is approaching rapidly, and this year the New England Patriots will square off against the Los Angeles Rams. The Rams all year have been one of the most explosive offenses in the NFL lead behind running back Todd Gurley, quarterback Jared Goff, and former Patriot wide receiver Brandin Cooks. After winning a controversial NFC title game, they are now preparing to face one of the greatest dynasties in sports. Though this is New England’s third consecutive and fourth super bowl appearance in the last five years, they feel like the underdog. Brady will now play in his 9th Super Bowl and look for his 6th ring against the Rams on Sunday, but it wont come easy against a talented versatile Rams team. If you want someone on your side on Super Bowl Sunday though, its Tom Brady.
#1 Patriots Offensive line vs. Rams Defensive line
The Rams defensive line, lead by defensive player of the year Aaron Donald, is one of the league’s best. Donald is quite dominant by himself, but along with him the Rams also have Ndamukong Suh, Dante Fowler Jr. and Michael Brockers. The Patriots offense will have its hands full with a star powered defensive line like the rams, but if anyone can contain them, it’s the Patriots. In the AFC Championship game against Kansas City, the offense ran for 176 yards and 4 touchdowns in large part due to the magnificent play of the offensive line. Along with that, they held the Chiefs defense to zero sacks on Tom Brady. If they can continue their solid play in the Super Bowl and contain the Rams, it could help lead to a Patriots Super Bowl win.
#2 Stephon Gilmore vs. Robert Woods
Patriots all pro cornerback Stephon Gilmore will have his hands full on Sunday against a talented Rams receiving corps. Expect him to line up mostly against wide receiver and former teammate Robert Woods rather than speedster Brandin Cooks. In the AFC Championship gameGilmore played on Chiefs Receiver Sammy Watkins in the first half, and in the second half played against star tight end Travis Kelce. Instead of covering Kansas City’s best receiver Tyreek Hill, it seems coach Belichick prefers gilmore on a bigger type of receiver and likely won’t be covering Cooks often. Gilmore is listed as 6’1” and 190 pounds so it will be interesting to see how arguably one of the best corners in football can handle the Rams receivers in particularly Robert Woods.
#3 Bill Belichick vs. Sean McVay
Two of the best coaches in the league today, the kid and the legend. Sean McVay is only 33 years old but he sure coaches like he’s been in the league for years. He lead the Rams to the second seed in the NFC and showed that he’s the future of coaching in the league. The coach on the Patriots is a man who needs no introduction as he prepares for his 12th super bowl appearance in his career, 9th as head coach of the Patriots. Coach Belichick, the greatest coach in NFL history is still one of the league’s best and instantly makes the Patriots better with his knowledge. Sean McVay told NBC sports Peter King, “This season, he has basically texted me after every one of our games.” He also added that Belichick texted him after a win over the Vikings, “Man, you guys are really explosive and impressive and fun to watch. Congratulations- keep it rolling.” It seems the two coaches have lots of respect for each other and have developed a friendship over the season, but they will have to put it all aside Sunday night as they square off on sports biggest stage. It will be interesting to see who gets the upper hand between two of the best coaches in the league.
