Super Bowl Predictions from NFL Legends
Derrick Deese of the San Francisco 49ers (Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Like every year I asked several NFL legends, past and present, who they think is going to win the Super Bowl and why their pick is going to be victorious. Here is what they had to say:
Tony Coats (former offensive lineman with the Cincinnati Bengals): “I like Atlanta by two points. The offensive line has been playing with the same five guys all year. You cannot guard number 11 [Julio Jones]. If you double him then [Mohamed] Sanu is free. Oh, and their multiple running backs that can run and catch throws or handoffs from “Matty Ice” who is hot as ever. It's Atlanta’s second trip to the Super Bowl. It's their turn! Atlanta 33-New England 31.”
Akeem Spence (defensive tackle for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers): “Definitely the Patriots.”
Hillary Butler (former linebacker with the Seattle Seahawks): “I will say I did not watch much of Atlanta until they caught my attention against the Seahawks, then smashing the Packers. Though [Tom] Brady also is playing great and with a chip on his shoulder, I cannot see the Patriots keeping up with the Falcons and pick Matt Ryan to get his first ring.”
Noah Burr (former defensive back with the New York Jets): “If the Falcons put pressure on Tom Brady they will win. The Falcons need to use the mismatch with both their running backs to win! Do those two and they’ll be ok.”
Evan Moore (former tight end with the Cleveland Browns): “The Patriots’ relatively easy '16 schedule got them to 14-2 but I do think they confuse/slow down Matt Ryan and Atlanta's dynamic offense. Patriots 31-26.”
Tom McManus (former linebacker with the Jacksonville Jaguars): “The Patriots win in a close game. 27-24.”
Derrick Deese (former left tackle and Super Bowl champion with the San Francisco 49ers): “My pick is New England. I believe that New England has all that it takes to pull this out. [Tom] Brady just has that "it". He is the best quarterback in the league right now and the team just gets behind him. With him and [Bill] Belichick together for so long you don't have to worry about them being ready. Plus I really want to see [Roger] Goodell have to give Brady the Vince Lombardi Trophy. The look on Brady's face will be priceless. Great for TV.”
Reggie Givens (former linebacker and special teams captain with the San Francisco 49ers): “Super Bowl 2017: Atlanta Falcons & New England Patriots. The Young Gun ([Matt] Ryan) vs The Elder Statesman ([Tom] Brady). Battle of the NFL's top offensive team, going up against arguably the best defensive team.
No matter how big the game, it will always come back to these three components: Offense, defense and special teams. The team that dominates these three phases will ultimately win the game:
Offense: Edge Falcons
Defense: Edge Falcons
Special Teams: Even
In Summary, the Patriots defense will not have an answer for the Falcons best offensive/ defensive player WR Julio Jones. His size and speed will make it nearly impossible to single or double-cover him, leaving their defense vulnerable to the running of RB Devonta Freeman.
Both defenses are both hard hitting and well disciplined but the edge goes to the Falcons' outside rushers [Vic] Beasley and [Dwight] Freeney to make Brady feel very uncomfortable in the pocket.
On the special teams side both teams will cancel each other out to make this phase even.
Final Score: Atlanta 31 New England 20”
Blogger’s Prediction: The Atlanta Falcons have one of the most prolific offenses I have ever seen in the NFL. Matt Ryan, Julio Jones, Mohamed Sanu, Devonta Freeman and Tevin Coleman are all dangerous and able to light up any scoreboard. On the other hand, Tom Brady had one of the best seasons of his career and New England’s team-first approach got them to the fifth Super Bowl under head coach Bill Belichik. Two weeks is a long time for Bill Belichick and his staff to come up with a game plan. This is the reason why I believe the Patriots can slow down Atlanta’s high-powered offense. The Falcons, however, won’t be able to interfere with New England’s game plan at all. The offensive line will protect Tom Brady well enough to make the right calls and clutch plays. Even though the Falcons will be dangerous throughout the game it won’t be as close as many believe and Commissioner Roger Goodell will have to put on a brave face when he hands over the Vince Lombardi Trophy to the New England Patriots.
