New England Patriots vs. Seattle Seahawks

As a young newspaperman, I worked with a columnist who was in love with his own intellect. On the day of Super Bowl XII, his column took a detailed look at the Denver Broncos and Dallas Cowboys, analyzed their styles of play and produced this prediction: Dallas 27, Denver 10.

I’m not sure which was more galling. That he was exactly right, or that he wrote a column telling the world how he divined the score.

Opinions seem narrowly split on Super Bowl XLIX between the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks. ESPN.com polled its writers and 24 picked the Seahawks, while 22 went with the Patriots.

If there is a telling factor for me, it’s in the two Super Bowls the Patriots lost to the New York Giants. The Giants were a terrific pass-rushing team and brought lots of pressure on Tom Brady. Brady was clearly less effective with bodies falling at his feet, leaving him unable to reset and throw. The Giants had the right plan and the people to execute it.

The Seahawks are more of a coverage defense. Their emphasis is not the pass rush. And their secondary – the Legion of Boom – is not entirely whole. Cornerback Richard Sherman (elbow) and safety Earl Thomas (shoulder) are health mysteries.

The Seahawks would not have made it this far without the incredible cooperation of the Green Bay Packers in the NFC championship game. The Packers pulled their horns in, blew their lead and practically handed the Super Bowl berth to the Seahawks. New England fairly handily worked through its two playoff games.

So I’m taking the Patriots. Brady gets his fourth Super Bowl victory (as does coach Bill Belichick) by throwing two touchdown passes in a 31-21 decision. The Seahawks do not repeat as champions.

If I’m right, I will tell you on Monday exactly how I did it.
 
 
Post By: Larry Weisman, a longtime sportswriter for USA TODAY, blogs for Twistity.com. Follow him on Twitter @MrLarryWeisman .