The saying goes, defense wins championships. The Seahawks’ passing defense could well lead to consecutive Super Bowl titles. Cornerback Richard Sherman has indisputable lock-down skills to go with the confidence that he is the best in the NFL at his position. Despite a sprained left elbow, Sherman is expected to play in the Super Bowl and will be determined to maintain a “No Fly Zone”.

Running back Marshawn Lynch is literally “All ‘bout that action,” as he once put it, when Seattle most needs his hard-hitting running game. Lynch ran for more than 1,300 yards during the season, averaging 4.7 yards per carry. He has proven ability to break off for a big run at critical moments in big games. If the Seahawks’ running game eats up time on the clock, Patriots quarterback Tom Brady could have limited opportunities to try to win his fourth Super Bowl. The Patriots almost solely depend on the passing game, and if Sherman and the rest of the Legion of Boom shuts that down, New England is doomed.

~Stephen Luckey ‘15

Heading into their sixth Super Bowl game together, head coach Bill Belichick and quarterback Tom Brady have seen it all and will be well prepared for whatever the Seattle Seahawks’ defense throws at the Patriots. Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson threw twice as many interceptions in NFC Championship Game as Brady has thrown in five Super Bowl games. If Sunday’s game is decided by turnovers, the Patriots likely will come out on top.

For the third season in a row, the Seahawks allowed the fewest points in the NFL and only allowed 17 touchdowns during the regular season. However, the Patriots were the fourth highest scoring team in the NFL, putting up 29.2 points per game. The biggest challenge for the Patriots in this Super Bowl will be to stop Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch. If the Patriots can stop Seattle’s run game and prevent Lynch from making big plays, Wilson and his receivers are prone to mistakes.

~Noah Rosendorf ‘17