Super Bowl 52 Preview
Los Angeles Rams – The Los Angeles Rams are the one of the biggest sports conundrums of the 21st century. They have been both the model for mediocrity and for excellence. Over the last 18 seasons, the Rams have made the playoffs six times (2000, 2001, 2003, 2004, 2017, 2018). But they have also finished .500 or below thirteen times (They snuck into the playoffs at 8-8 in 2004). They began the decade as the “Greatest Show on Turf”, boasting the talents of Kurt Warner, Marshall Faulk, Torry Holt, and Isaac Bruce on offense. Saint Louis and Los Angeles fans were then subjected to the Jeff Fisher/Sam Bradford years, which did not see a single winning season. Two years ago was Fisher’s final season and quarterback Jared Goff’s first. It was also the Rams first season back in Los Angeles, and attendance was abysmal, the fourth lowest capacity percentage in the NFL. None of that matters now though, as boy genius Sean McVay has turned the Rams into the second highest scoring offense this year, and lead Jared Goff and co. to Super Bowl 52. Looking for their second franchise Super Bowl win, they face Bill Belichick, Tom Brady, and the rest of the New England squad.
Key Players: Jared Goff, Todd Gurley, Brandin Cooks, Aaron Donald
Offensive X-Factor: Robert Woods (86 Catches, 1219 Receiving Yards, 6 Receiving TD)
Defensive X-Factor- Cory Littleton (3 INT, 13 Passed Defended, 4 Sacks, 125 tackes)
New England Patriots – Guess who’s back, back again. In the Brady/Belichick era, the Pats have been to the super bowl 9 times now. You could flip a coin each year these two start a season together to determine whether they’re going to the big game. They have only missed the playoffs twice, and one of those years Tom Brady tore his ACL in the season opener. This dynasty shows no signs of slowing down, regardless of what the headlines say each year, whether it be turmoil in the locker room or dissent between Kraft, Belichick, and Brady, the Patriots juggernaut just keeps pushing forward. Backed by one of the best Tight Ends ever in Gronk, and a platoon of skill players that fit perfectly into the system, these Patriots are poised to attempt to avenge their loss at the hands of the Eagles last season. Say what you want about this team, they know what it takes to win.
Key Players: Tom Brady, Rob Gronkowski, Sony Michel, Julian Edelman
Offensive X-Factor: James White (425 Rushing Yards, 87 Receptions 12 Total Touchdowns)
Defensive X-Factor: Trey Flowers (57 Total Tackles, 3 Forced Fumbles, 7.5 Sacks)
Projections:
Patriots
Tom Brady – 26/39, 327 Yards, 3 Touchdowns
Sony Michel – 14 attempts, 57 yards
Julian Edelman – 8 catches, 115 yards
Rob Gronkowski – 5 catches, 96 yards, 1 touchdown
James White – 9 catches, 73 yards, 2 touchdowns
Rams
Jared Goff – 21/36, 350 yards, 2 touchdowns
Todd Gurley – 11 attempts, 104 yards, 1 touchdown
Brandin Cooks – 6 catches, 122 yards, 1 touchdown
Robert Woods – 7 catches, 91 yards, 1 Rushing Touchdown
Aaron Donald – 4 tackles, 1 sack, 2 tackles for loss, 2 quarterback hits
Final Score: Rams 33, Patriots 27
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