At a Loss for Words

In my previous two posts, about the Patriots vs. the Chargers and vs. the Chiefs, I felt I knew the other teams and had a lot to say. I don't have that feeling as we approach the Super Bowl. I don't know the Rams and I just have a sense that the Patriots are likely to win by a score of 27-10 As always, just a guess, and it seems highly unlikely as a prediction. All of the Patriots Super Bowl games have been very close and the Madden game "simulation" has the Pats (losing!) and Rams in a "nail-biter."

If I were Bill B., though, a couple of things would concern me. First, I would look at the past two games and note that the Patriots got off to a roaring start in the first half, then took their foot off the gas in the second half. Granted, the Chargers had a steep hill to climb, but they almost got back in it, and everyone knew 14-0 was not enough against the Chiefs. So I would have preached "60 minutes of football" like crazy these past two weeks. I would also be concerned that the entire Patriot fan base is really complacent about this game. That was true in the two Giants games and the second Eagles game (last year, as you recall) and those are Super Bowls that the Brady/Belichick combo lost.

Having the New England region be complacent should not necessarily affect the team, but who knows? Maybe it does, in some unknown way. Anyway, if I were BB, I would tell the team to ignore the fans and BE THE UNDERDOG!

Beyond the metaphysical and getting into physical reality, I would advise Belechick to start with the same game plan he has been using on defense. Blitz, blitz, blitz and try to rattle the young QB. On offense, of course, think about success in battles and always remember to capitalize on the element of surprise.

What might be surprising to the Rams today? Well, I still want to suggest to BB using Gronk as a decoy for three quarters and unleashing him in the fourth. On a few occasions this year, they have gone to the fullback James Develin and he has gained some yards and scored some touchdowns. How about trying that around the third quarter, especially if Sony Michel has been bottled up by a strong Rams defense? 

I would also throw to Hogan a lot more than they have been so far. I don't think the Rams will give him a lot of attention today.

If the Rams are smart, they will also be blitzing and trying to throw Brady off his game, so Edelman and White will be more important than ever, and they will do their job. 

Okay, Bill, that's the game plan that will win it 27-10. The rest is up to you!

PS: And remember that it's always darkest before the dawn!