Monday, February 2, 2015

Super Bowl XLIX Half Time Analysis

 

Well...

This game is eerily similar to the NFC Championship Game between Seattle and Green Bay. The Packers dominated but couldn't score enough points. Then the Seahawks woke up.

As we end a fast-moving first half, New England appear to be doing something similar. Brady's interception was a throw he should never have made, and Jeremy Lane gleefully collected it. It was a strange decision from a guy who normally only makes good ones.

At the worst, New England should have at least 17 points on the board, assuming they made at least a field goal on the interception drive. As it stands, there's little that that the Patriots have to show for dominating the first half. In fact, there's nothing!

The thing is, it could've been so much more. We could be talking about a 21-14 lead. Brady's completed 20-27 and looked good, especially with that short passing game that's worked well. His two deep ball shots have turned out pretty well, too.

Credit Seattle, though. They looked out of sorts for a lot of that first half, but managed to make enough plays - including that big pass from Wilson to Chris Matthews - and Wilson used his legs a few times. Seems to be the backup guys doing most of the damage, with Lockette nabbing that pass late, to match Chris Matthews, who had a handy reception for his first of the year. And then another, for his second of the year, a touchdown when they probably should've settled for a field goal.

What a furious last two-and-a-bit minutes!! And Seattle gets the football to start the third quarter.

Rob Gronkowski was mostly quiet, except when he snatched that deep ball from Brady for New England's second touchdown. That was a huge coverage bust from Seattle Gronk had a step on his man, and that's all he needs to make an impact.

The second half is going to be insane! Still think Seattle's mix of a good running game and solid defense sees them win, but who knows for sure?

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