By: Jack Wallace

   A four game suspension and fourteen wins later, Tom Brady is about to go to the Super Bowl for the seventh time in his seventeen year career, the most super bowl appearances all time. After a convincing 36-7 victory against The Pittsburgh Steelers, the New England Patriots will travel to Super Bowl 51 in Houston to face a very dynamic Atlanta Falcons offense.

   Atlanta’s offense is first in scoring and second in total yards per game. It’s elte trio features Matt Ryan who has had an MVP caliber season, Julio Jones who is arguably the best receiver in football, and Devonta Freeman who has proven to be a weapon in the rushing and passing scheme.

    The Patriots rank third in points scored per game and fourth in total yards. Even without star tight end Rob Gronkowski, the Patriots have proven that they can still get the job done. Their strong offseason acquisitions include wide receiver Chris Hogan, and tight end Martellus Bennett who have both had career years thanks to good coaching by Bill Belichick as well as strong quarterback play from Tom Brady. Not only have the newbees done their jobs but Julian Edelman recorded another 1,000 yard receiving season. Legarrette Blount had a 1,000 yard rushing season with 18 rushing touchdowns, which is the most record for the most rushing touchdowns in the franchise’s history.  

    Defensively, both of these teams are star studded. Rookies Keanu Neal (safety) and Deion Jones (linebacker) have been sensational for the Falcons. Both lead the team in tackles and Jones also had the most interceptions (three) , two of them he ran back for touchdowns. Edge Rusher Vic Beasley had 15.5 sacks in just his second season in the NFL. While the Falcons defense may be young, it is not something that the Patriots should underestimate.

    New England’s defense has been stellar this year which came as a surprise to many except the Patriots and their fans. Their defensive line has been a brick wall allowing an average of less than 100 yards per game. The secondary has been exceptional as well, Malcolm Butler has been able to cover each team’s number one receiver like he is their shadow. Not to mention the offseason addition of Eric Rowe who is the big physical corner that Belichick loves to have on his teams. He has proven to be a very valued member of the Patriots defense. The leadership of Dont’a Hightower and Devin Mccourty has set the tone of how this team plays ball.

     Still, consider this game to be an offensive shootout and expect it to be a great one because every time the Patriots are in a Super Bowl they give fans their money’s worth. I might be a little biased in saying this but the Patriots will win this game, and the facts support me. As I said previously, Tom Brady has been to the Super Bowl seven times and would have won seven times if it wasn’t for two fluke plays. This is only the second time the Falcons will be featured in a Super Bowl in the history of their franchise, experience is something that can’t be practiced. Also I’d like to mention the fact that Brady has a huge chip on his shoulder and that man plays his best when he’s angry.

      Brady is looking to earn his fifth ring while Ryan is looking to grab his first. I truly believe that the Patriots will win this game because Brady really has something to prove. You can take four games from him, you can take some of his best players, but you can never take away his will to win. A win in Super Bowl 51 will seal Brady’s fate as the greatest to ever play the position and any argument that says otherwise will no longer be valid. The Falcons will make them fight, but New England will win its fifth Lombardi in a close 34-28 game.

http://www.espn.com/nfl/team/stats/_/name/atl/atlanta-falcons

http://www.espn.com/nfl/team/stats/_/name/ne/new-england-patriots