When the New England Patriots meet the Los Angeles Rams in Super Bowl LIII expect the expected, but it’s the unexpected that will define the game.
In a rematch of Super Bowl XXXVI, the New England Patriots and Los Angeles Rams will square off at Mercedes-Benz Stadium for the chance to raise the Lombardi Trophy.
For the Patriots, this is a legacy game. Super Bowl LIII is both a chance at redemption after losing a year ago and a chance to cement themselves as the greatest dynasty in sports.
An experiences Tom Brady verses the inexperience of Jared Goff. The legacy of Bill Belichick verses the upstart coach in Sean McVay that every franchise searching for a new head coach wants to emulate.
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Will it be the passing of the torch? Or will it be the New England Patriots making a statement that they are still here and aren’t going anywhere anytime soon. So, while the rest of the nation rolls their eyes at another Patriots Super Bowl appearance, New England fans have been taken on quite a ride this season from a team that will be special win or lose.
Simply, the Patriots weren’t supposed to be here. In a season that begin with tension between the greatest coach and greatest quarterback has taken many twists and turns. From the back-to-back loses to the Jacksonville Jaguars and Detroit Lions to the resurgence and fall of Josh Gordon to the “Miami Miracle,” it certainly appeared this wasn’t supposed to be the Patriots year.
But, looking back at it all, perhaps all of the misfortune is exactly why it is their year. With how they played against the Los Angeles Chargers and on the road against the Kansas City Chiefs, this team believes. As slight favorites, the New England Patriots are still playing the underdog role. Too old, too slow, it’s time to show America what the heartbeat of teamwork and togetherness is all about.
How to watch New England Patriots vs. Los Angeles Rams
Location: Mercedes-Benz Stadium Atlanta, Georgia
Kickoff: Sunday, February 2, 2019 6:30 p.m. ET
TV: CBS (Check local listings)
Streaming: fuboTV
In a game that is predicted to be a close battle, there will be some unexpected performances that will define the outcome of the game. Here are some wicked cool predictions that will pump up New England Patriots fans.
The Cordarrelle Patterson experiment
Yes, Cordarrelle Patterson.
The player who has proved he can do a few different things on the field good enough to be involved in offensive plays will have a great impact on this game.
We know what Patterson can do on kick returns, but what he does on offense will turn some heads. In Super Bowl LIII, he will have an impactful kick return, but also watch for him to catch a deep ball at some point and also gained valuable yardage on those jet sweeps Josh McDaniels loves to run.
As we seen against the Kansas City Chiefs, Tom Brady is not afraid to target Patterson. Although they didn’t connect, McDaniels and Brady won’t be afraid to look his direction again, even on the biggest stage.
With Aqib Talib taking away one of the top receivers, Patterson will be an x-factor outside the numbers. Those sideline plays and slant plays designed for Josh Gordon may go Patterson’s way a couple of times.
As one of the few players making his first Super Bowl appearance, expect the speedy kickoff returner to impact the game in three different ways.
Rob Gronkowski goes wild in the ATL
Okay, any other year this wouldn’t have been such a bold prediction.
Given the way Rob Gronkowski has looked or hasn’t looked all year, the New England Patriots tight end having a big game offensively would be way cool to see.
With the offensive line set to battle against a very tough Los Angeles Rams defensive line, expect Gronkowski to pass protect and run block at first. But, as the game goes on, the old Gronkowski will emerge in the passing game due to the focus Rams defensive coordinator Wade Phillips places on Julian Edelman and James White.
If this is indeed his last game, Rob Gronkowski will go out playing a great game and impacting the offense like the good ole’ days. It would be a fitting ending to a career that has already etched itself into the NFL’s history of greatness.
Remember, when healthy, Gronkowski has had big offensive performances in the Super Bowl. I truly predict Super Bowl LIII will be a special one for one of the greatest tight ends to wear the No. 87.
If you are wondering, that other player who wore No. 87 was the great Ben Coates.
Patriots defensive line outshines Suh & Co.
While all the talk has been on the Los Angeles Rams defensive line featuring Ndamukong Suh and Aaron Donald, the New England Patriots defensive line will shine brightest.
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A key to beating the Patriots for the Rams will be getting to Tom Brady. I believe the Patriots will do a good job at neutralizing the pass rush with a hurry up offensive similar to what they did back when Suh played for the Detroit Lions.
On the other side of the ball, Jared Goff will be tested and tested early. A key, however, will be limiting running back Todd Gurley and not allowing CJ Anderson to going. Once the Patriots do that, expect steady pressure on Goff.
Trey Flowers, Adam Butler, Lawrence Guy and Adrian Clayborn will be big factors in this game. Remember, Clayborn played for the Atlanta Falcons and played half his games in Mercedes-Benz stadium, so he will be in familiar surroundings. Super Bowl LIII would be a great time for him to make an impact rushing the passer.
The New England Patriots linebackers will be key as well, but the defensive line will set the tone early in the game. Some unique pressure will force Goff into a couple of key turnovers. There might just be a defensive touchdown in this game.
In all, expect the Patriots to run away with their sixth championship and finally play a game that is not close.