What does each team need to do to win here?
I think the Pats will rely heavily on the run and short passing game. The Falcons will come hard at Brady. They didn't have a ton of sacks this year, but they tied for third in QB hurries with 122. Without Gronk I expect NE to use Blount and Lewis and high percentage passes to keep the ATL offense off the field and to wear out the defense.
If the Falcons can strike quickly and get a lead I could see them pulling away, NE can't win a shootout with them. But the Pats allowed the fewest points all season. If anyone can hang back in coverage and smother this ATL offense it's probably them. If the ATL offense struggles early I think it'll go bad fast for them. NE will capitalize on mistakes.
Really this feels a lot like a Colts/Pats game from the mid 00s.
|