The Falcons and the Patriots have arrived in Houston and kickoff for the Super Bowl is just around the corner. With media days wrapping up, everyone is asking the same questions: Can anyone stop the Bill Belichick and Tom Brady dynasty? Can the Patriots defense contain Matt Ryan, Julio Jones and Atlanta’s high-powered offense? The Omaha Sports Insider staff has their own thoughts:
Ben Stevens (KMTV):
“I'm taking the Patriots. Although I think the Falcons offense has been unstoppable through the playoffs averaging 40 points per game, I just think if you give Bill Belichik and Tom Brady two weeks to prepare for any team they're going to get the job done. So I like the Patriots.”
Score: Patriots: 24, Falcons 20
Adam Krueger (KMTV):
“Conventional wisdom says this game will be a shootout. Tom Brady can still sling it around the yard as well as anybody & the Matt Ryan/Julio Jones connection has been fun to watch. But I think it'll be a key defensive play late in the game that decides it. And that's where I have to give the edge to the Patriots. They've seen it all & I think their Super Bowl experience will prove to be pivotal. Tom Brady gets his revenge against Roger Goodell.”
Score: Patriots 31, Falcons 28
Joe Quinn (AM590 ESPN Omaha):
“Two big ones here. They're named Tom Brady and Bill Belichick.
No quarterback in history can match Brady's experience in the big game, and he's come out on top more times than he's lost. The Patriots are also stout on defense, and are known for coming up with some of the best game plans in the biz when they have extra time to prepare.
As far as Belichick goes, much like Brady, not many can match his experience in the big game. He'll go down as perhaps the greatest NFL coach in history, and his tactics are unmatched at this point.
The Falcons have plenty of talent, and if you compare the rosters position by position, they'd probably win more battles than they'd lose. But games aren't played on paper - they're settled on the field. And with the Patriots, the sum of the team is greater than that of its parts because of the two pieces mentioned above.”
Score: Patriots 35, Falcons 31.
Nick Handley (AM590 ESPN Omaha):
“The ultimate Super Bowl shootout between two MVP candidates at QB. We all know the legacy of Tom Brady and he's been there, done that in the big game but Matt Ryan has been special this season. Atlanta possesses so many weapons but the Pats have that dangerous duo of Brady and Belichick. Pats defense will make just enough key stops to hold off the Falcons.”
Score: Falcons 30, Patriots 34
Tyler Martin (Omaha Sports Insider):
“I’m a classic flip-flopper. I’ve gone between the Patriots and the Falcons for the past week and a half, and I’m sure I will continue to right up until kickoff. Generally, I would say “you can’t bet against the Patriots”, but man do I love the offensive firepower of the Falcons. Matty Ice, Julio Jones and Devonta Freeman are too much fun to watch. Not to mention, Sunday feels like a wonky one.”
Score: Falcons 35, Patriots 31
Grace Yowell (Omaha Sports Insider):
“I’m going to have to go with the New England Patriots. I mean honestly, they have one of the best players of all time…Tom Brady.”
Score: Patriots 27, Falcons 21
Kurt Owens (AM590 ESPN Omaha):
“I admit this is a heart pick because I'm tired of the Patriots. Matt Ryan and Julio Jones will get it done while the Falcon's defense holds New England to their season average.”
Score: Falcons 30, Patriots 27
