Gazette staffers make bold predictions for Super Bowl

It’s Super Bowl time once again and with that comes the numerous previews and predictions from many of the pundits. So, with that in mind, here is the exclusive preview and prediction from two of the smartest people in the Gazette sports world. Remember, money lost on wagers placed because of this prediction is not the responsibility of the two Gazette intellectuals. (Unless you win, in which case there will be a 20% prediction fee)
Tracey’s obvious key player -- Matt Ryan: Ryan has led the Falcons to a touchdown in the opening drive of the last eight games. His stats this season are the reason that he is an MVP candidate. Ryan has thrown for 4,944 yards and 38 touchdowns, while only giving up seven interceptions on the year. But, most importantly, during the two playoff games he has played in thus far, Ryan has completed over 70% of his passes and has zero interceptions. In other words, he has been flawless. If Ryan can get the same protection he has had all season long, expect the near perfection to continue.
Raymond’s obvious key player -- Tom Brady: The former sixth-round draft pick, who still plays with a huge chip on his shoulder despite winning four Super Bowls, is looking to make history by winning his fifth Lombardi Trophy, breaking a tie with his childhood hero Joe Montana. Brady will no doubt be stellar in Sunday’s game but if the Falcons want to have a chance to win, then they will have to find a way to pressure Brady. In the Golden Boy’s two Super Bowl losses, the New York Giants were able to disrupt him enough to make a difference in the game. If the Falcons can’t do the same thing, it will be mighty difficult to pull out the win.
Tracey’s not so obvious key player -- Atlanta’s defense: For this one, it is not just one player but a whole unit; the Atlanta defense. As much attention the Falcon offense has gotten this season, the defense has had a decent year. Most of the success of the Atlanta defensive unit comes from the fact that the offense jumps out to big leads early in games. That allows the defense to pin their ears back and play extra fast, not having to worry about an opponent’s run game, as they have to rely strictly on a pass game to catch up. However, the Falcons are facing Tom Brady, one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history. Brady is a master of picking defenses apart. Also, they are small up front and is susceptible to the run. Atlanta may need an answer to the New England run game, if the Patriots gain a lead and begin to pound the ball behind Legarrett Blount.
Raymond’s not so obvious key player -- Mohamed Sanu: The Patriots will likely try whatever they can to take away All-Pro wide receiver Julio Jones out of the game plan, and then next focus on minimize the impact of the Falcons pass-catching running backs. That means that Sanu, who had 59 catches for 653 yards this season, could be critical if the Falcons are going to successfully move the chains and produce scoring drives. If Sanu can come up with some big third-down conversion catches, the Falcons could keep pace with the other team’s high-powered offense.
Tracey’s key to the game -- The biggest key to the game will be how the New England defense handles the explosive Atlanta offense. Patriot head coach Bill Belichick and defensive coordinator Matt Patricia are masters at taking away what opponent’s do best and their best player. However, the Falcons masterfully utilize their running backs in the passing game better than anyone else. If the Patriot defense does not give up the big plays and force Atlanta to some three and outs, New England may just win their fifth Super Bowl championship.
Raymond’s key to the game -- It is real simple. Don’t let the New England Patriots and Tom Brady have the ball with a chance to win the game with under two minutes to go in the game. Brady knows how to orchestrate game-winning drives in the Super Bowl. The Falcons will not only have to find a way to take the lead late, but more importantly keep the lead and make sure that the Patriots don’t have even a second left on the clock.
Tracey’s prediction -- Atlanta 31, New England 28: I know I will get some flak from Saint’s fans. Just remember I am part of Who Dat nation.
Raymond’s prediction -- New England 27, Atlanta 23: Tom Brady will get to have his revenge on NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, who suspended him four games for possibly knowing something about deflated footballs, as Goodell is forced to hand him the trophy.