PORT JEFFERSON, NY – The Big Game is finally here! Let’s discuss.
Super Bowl Predictions
The Seahawks have had an incredible season. Sam Darnold has been everything they hoped he’d be when they signed him this past offseason. GM Jon Schneider has nailed about every move that could possibly have been made in remaking this roster from where it was when they traded Russell Wilson. Since losing to the Rams in week 11, Seattle has been the best team in football. It hasn’t been particularly close. The aforementioned Schneider has built a perfect roster around Darnold. That includes a ferocious defense that specializes in limiting big plays, something that the Patriots have excelled at all season.
As for New England, things could not have gone any better in the first season of Mike Vrabel. Drake Maye had an incredible sophomore season but has struggled this postseason, particularly with protecting the ball. While it is true that they’ve faced an exceptionally easy schedule all year – including the postseason – Vrabel has this defense playing at an elite level at the exact right time.
On paper, Seattle is superior in almost every facet of the game:
-They have the better defense
-They have the more efficient offense
-Their QB is playing at a higher level
The only path I see for a New England victory is if the defense can continue to play at this elite of a level, and pressures Darnold into making some unforced errors – giving the Patriots short fields. Having said all that, we’re talking about the Patriots here. 
They seem to have some sort of unquantifiable cloud of luck over their franchise, so a victory is certainly possible. BUT… I think Seattle is just far and away the better team, and the Patriots will really struggle to move the ball and Seattle will win comfortably.
Predictions:
Seahawks 24 Patriots 10
Sam Darnold Super Bowl MVP
