Seahawks, Patriots face off in Super Bowl XLIX

Seahawks looking to repeat, Patriots make sixth Super Bowl appearance

By Fetlew Gebreziabher, Online Sports Editor

While “Deflategate” takes over Super Bowl media coverage, the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots prepare to take the air out of each other to claim the ultimate prize in football.

Quarterback Russell Wilson and the Seahawks look to defend their title in the franchise’s third Super Bowl appearance in 10 years, while quarterback Tom Brady and the Patriots look for their first title since 2005.

The Seahawks defeated the Patriots in their last meeting during Wilson’s rookie season in 2012, 24-23.

Wilson said that victory was the turning point for the Seahawks that would ultimately shape them to be the champions they are today.

“That was a huge comeback for us,” said Wilson at the team’s press conference on Jan. 21. “I think that was kind of the momentum starter for the past three years, really to be honest with you.”

The win was also the introduction to all-pro cornerback Richard Sherman.

Sherman and Brady started a budding rivalry with Sherman having the last laugh, coining the catchphrase, “Are you mad bro?”

The Pro Bowler reiterated he will be playing in the big game after straining his elbow in the 28-22 win over Green Bay in the NFC Championship game on Jan. 19.

“It’s better than it was during the game,” said Sherman in his press conference on Jan. 21. “It’s a little bit sore but not too bad.”

For the second consecutive season, both overall number one seeds will be playing in Super Bowl Sunday. Both teams finished with a 12-4 regular season after starting 2-2.

Patriots head coach Bill Belichick and Brady will look to finally break down a Seahawks defense that has been nearly impossible to crack.

The Seahawks finished as the best defense for the second year allowing the fewest points (15.9 per game), fewest yards allowed, (267.1 per game) and fewest passing yards (185.6 per game).

Similar to last year’s match up, the Seahawks will try to cool down an offense that has been rolling in the second half of the season.

The Patriots, who have won 12 of their last 14 games (including postseason), finished fourth in points (29.2 per game) and ninth in passing yards (257.6 per game).

The defending champions will also have their hands full with a 250-pound running back LeGarrette Blount.

Blount rushed for 148 yards on 30 carries and three touchdowns in the AFC Championship blowout over the Colts.

Much like last year’s game against Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos, the Seattle defense will need key plays to stop the deep passes by Brady.

“I think it’s being patient and being disciplined because they’re going to throw a lot of stuff in your face, and if you jump the stuff in your face, they’re going to throw it behind you,” said Seahawks middle linebacker Bobby Wagner in his Jan. 22 press conference. “I think that’s the key. You have to be really, really focused, especially with a guy like [Brady].”

On the other side of the ball, the Patriots will look to shut down Marshawn Lynch, who has led Seattle to one of the most potent rushing attacks in the league for the last three years.

The all-pro back rushed for one touchdown on 25 carries and 157 yards against Green Bay. He had a career high in total scores with 17 during the regular season.

Both teams have yet to step foot on Arizona soil, but already the trash talking has begun. At least for Seahawks nickel Jeremy Lane it has.

“I actually don’t think he’s that good,” Lane told ESPN’s Terry Blount when asked about New England’s tight-end Rob Gronkowski.

All the talk will come to an end on Feb. 1 when the NFL crowns either the first back-to-back champion in a decade or concedes one of the greatest dynasties in football history.