Lebanon County athletes make Super Bowl predictions
Super Bowl Sunday is almost here.
With arguably the biggest event in sports this weekend, here’s a look at what some Lebanon County athletes think will happen in the game between the New England Patriots and Atlanta Falcons.
Two patterns you’ll notice – it’s going to be shootout, as most NFL analysts and experts have predicted – and everyone likes the quarterbacks.
Nate Beamer, Elco
Prediction: Patriots 28, Falcons 17; MVP: Tom Brady
Alon Rhette, Palmyra
Prediction: Patriots 28, Falcons 17; MVP: Tom Brady
Noah Myers, Annville-Cleona
Prediction: Falcons 31, Patriots 28; MVP: Matt Ryan
Don Friday, Annville-Cleona
Prediction: Patriots 28, Falcons 10; MVP: Tom Brady
Cameron Hoch, Annville-Cleona
Prediction: Patriots 35, Falcons 27; MVP: Tom Brady
Tate Seyfert, Cedar Crest
Prediction: Falcons 35, Patriots 28; MVP: Matt Ryan
Mason Bossert, Elco
Prediction: Falcons 35, Patriots 28' MVP: Julio Jones
Luis Aquino-Rios, Lebanon
Prediction: Patriots 31, Falcons 24; MVP: Tom Brady
And of course, the sports reporters couldn’t resist but give their predictions on what’ll see in Houston.
Pat Huggins, GameTimePA.com Sports Reporter
Prediction: Patriots 38, Falcons 28; MVP: Julian Edelman
Matt Catrillo, GameTimePA.com Sports Reporter
To keep building the anticipation, some thoughts on Super Bowl LI …
Predicting this game as a shootout is what most people are saying, and it wouldn’t be surprising one bit if that’s the way it unfolds.
However, both these teams have good defenses, and there’s a good chance we’ll see this game total to the under of the line that’s been set around 58 since the matchup was set.
New England was the No. 1 scoring defense this season, and they have Bill Belichick and underrated defensive coordinator Matt Patricia, who together have done a masterful job of taking away opponent’s top weapons. Just look at what they did to the Pittsburgh Steelers two weeks ago.
Facing the No. 1-ranked Atlanta offense certainly brings many more weapons to take away, but if anyone can find a way to do it, it’s Belichick and his staff.
The Falcons meanwhile, have developed a pretty potent pass rush as the season has gone on, recording five sacks this postseason.
That’s the way Tom Brady can be slowed down and even beaten – by defenses that can rush four without having to blitz often, a la the New York Giants in Super Bowls XLII and XLVI, and the Denver Broncos last season.
And while both offenses will still have their fair share of plays throughout the course of the game, it’s going to come down to which defense can make a stop late in the fourth quarter.
Advantage – Patriots – with someone in the secondary creating a late turnover to win the Vince Lombardi Trophy.
No matter how anyone analyzes it, this game is a very intriguing chess match between Falcons offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan, and Belichick/Patricia.
So without further ado …
Patriots 26, Falcons 20; MVP: Devin McCourty
Enjoy Super Sunday with your family and friends.