Super Bowl Predictions
The Ticket crew weighs in
Benjamin:
The Atlanta Falcons had a tremendous season. Matt Ryan evolved into an MVP candidate. Devonta Freeman and Tevin Coleman teamed up to generate the scariest running back duo in the league. Julio Jones went on a rampage, racking up 6 TD’s and 1,400+ receiving yards. If they were facing any other team in the Super Bowl, they’d be a lock to win it.
But they’re not.
Matt Ryan had a tremendous season? So did Tom Brady. In only 12 games. No one understands how the Patriots keep winning. Then again, no one understands Brady’s ability to turn no named players (Chris Hogan and Malcolm Mitchell). Or despite losing their star receiver and frat brother, Rob Gronkowski, in December and still end up with the #1 seed in the AFC. The complex mastermind, Bill Belichick, has been able to counter anything that anyone throws at him. Bottom line: as good as the Falcons are, the Patriots will always be better. Expect a great high scoring game. Final Score: Patriots: 31 Falcons: 24
(btw): if you’re having a bad day, just remember that in 2011, the Cleveland Browns traded their 6th overall pick to the Atlanta Falcons for 5 draft picks. The Falcons used that pick to draft Pro Bowl receiver, Julio Jones.
Brandon:
The Falcons are a special team. Matt Ryan is clearly the MVP and Julio Jones is a man playing among boys. With all the confidence in the world, he said that no one can guard him one on one. I couldn’t agree more. He is arguably the best wide receiver in the leauge. The Patriots will have to double him or expect bad things to happen. Matt Ryan is leading a high flying offense that can do damage even if Julio is slowed down. There dynamic running game also helps as Devonta Freeman runs with speed and skill. Adding to that, Tevin Coleman catches out of the backfield. Deadly combination. Lets not overlook their defense either. My mistake was not giving them credit. I now realize this defense is a lot better than it looks on paper. This Atlanta team is powerful. They have proven what they can do and they are ready to play.
The Patriots are somehow stronger than ever. Tell me how because I don’t know. Brady is almost 40, they have no number one threat at wide reciever and Gronk is constantly injured. Brady is THAT good. There is no word that describes Brady. He is defying father time, he is defying logic, and he is leading this weak Patriots squad. Brady makes everyone around him better. The question is who do I doubt this time? I’ve doubted both teams ability to succeed previously and now I must choose between the two. So, here we go: Brady is Brady, but I truly believe the Falcons have more offensive firepower, a better backfield, and defense. I am also a fan of the pathetic Jets so there is no way in hell I’m picking Tom Brady to win. I’ll give credit where credit is due, but I can’t support Brady in Super Bowl 51. This game will be very exciting. Teams will score a lot, but Falcons will come out winners of Super Bowl 51. Final Score: Falcons: 38 Patriots: 31 #RiseUP
Matthew:
Let’s be honest here, only one team has been able to defeat Tom Brady in the Super Bowl, the New York Giants. The Atlanta Falcons are a much different team than the 2007 and 2011 Giants. The two Giants teams that beat the Patriots had an amazing front four that pressured Brady constantly, but the Falcons just don’t have that. What got the Falcons this far was their record breaking offense. They scored an average of 33.8 PPG, had 13 different recievers catch a touchdown, and completed 47.0% of their third down plays. On the other hand, an underrated Patriots defense disassembled an amazing Steelers offense that was led by the 3 Killer Bees (Ben Roethlisberger, Le’Veon Bell, and Antonio Brown). This defense let up a league low of 250 YPG (which was very impressive without Jamie Collins and Chandler Jones). As much as I want the Atlanta Falcons to win I just don’t see it. They will double team Julio Jones all night and stuff the run game, which means Matt Ryan will have to look at secondary players, like Taylor Gabriel and Mohamed Sanu, to find success. The Falcons are on fire but Matt Ryan has never been this far before and Brady is now in his 7th Super Bowl. Final Score: Patriots: 35 Falcons: 33
Aaron
Super Bowl 51 is going to be a good one. Both teams have high scoring offenses. Both have strong big running backs. Both have real die hard fans (well maybe just the falcons). Atlanta vs New England, Ryan vs Brady, a game of this year’s best. We all can’t wait for it, so who’s gonna win?
I believe it will be the falcons. Brady has never played an offense like Atlanta. Julio Jones, the running back duo of power (Freeman) and speed (Coleman), and of course Matty ice.
But the real reason I’m going with the falcons is because they have something this postseason that the patriots don’t have and you can’t quantify- heart. In the game of inches that extra effort is the difference between a crying bench and a Gatorade bath. Maybe I’m just an idealist, but Atlanta and their true fans deserve, need, and will get this W.
Final Score: Falcons: 28 Patriots: 24
