The New England Patriots face the Seattle Seahawks in the Super Bowl this Sunday. It is their sixth appearance in the big game this century, and they will be gunning for their fourth title, which would place them among the greatest dynasties in the history of the sport.
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If New England is going to win, however, they have their work cut out for them. The Seahawks, in addition to being the defending champs, boast the league's most fearsome defense. The Patriots will need to play their best to win. Here are three keys for New England to take home the Lombardi Trophy:
1. Protect Tom Brady: The Seahawks have a fierce pass rush that can attack from anywhere. They move Michael Bennett all over the line, and Cliff Avril is a terror off the edge. The Patriots offensive line came together as the season went along, but they will need to play their best in order to give Brady time to find his receivers.
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2. A Non-Gronk Receiver Has To Play Well: It goes without saying that Rob Gronkowski needs to have a strong game. Not only is he New England's best receiver, but the Seahawks' one weakness on defense this year has been defending tight ends. However, the Patriots cannot win by throwing only to one guy. Julian Edelman or Brandon LaFell has to play well if New England is going to move the ball on offense.
3. Vince Wilfork Has To Jam The Middle: The Seahawks' entire offense is predicated on establishing the run with Marshawn Lynch. The team is too good at running the ball to stop them entirely, but if the Patriots can slow them down, they can force Russell Wilson to win the game for Seattle. For a team that threw the fewest passes in the league this season, that is not such a desirable outcome. And stopping the run starts with Vince Wilfork, the mountain in the middle of New England's defensive line.
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