New England Patriots vs. Seattle Seahawks Super Bowl: Comparing the Two Teams Head to Head Statistically
The New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks will play each other in the final NFL game of the season.
Both teams won their conferences with the No. 1 seed having gone 2-0 this postseason, but someone has to lose eventually.
Before we make game predictions, we're going to compare the two squads:
OFFENSE
The Patriots ranked fourth in scoring this NFL season, accumulating the 10th most yards in the NFL. Passing the football was the most successful way for the Patriots to score this season as quarterback Tom Brady threw for 33 touchdowns nine interceptions and 4,109 passing yards.
The Patriots don't have an elite wide receiver, but three players on the team had over 950 receiving yards this season. Those players being Robert Gronkowski, Julian Edelman and Brandon LaFell. The Seahawks' leading receiver, Doug Baldwin, had just 825 yards.
Russell Wilson had another productive season tossing 20 touchdowns, seven interceptions with a 95 passer rating.
On the ground is where the table turns. The Seahawks were the best rushing team in the league thanks to Marshawn Lynch and his 1,306 yards. Even Wilson had 849 rushing yards this season. To put that into perspective, the leading rusher for the Patriots this season was Jonas Gray, who had 412 yards. The Seahawks' offense ranked first in rushing, 30th in passing, 14th in points scored and 13th in yards gained.
CONCLUSION
The Patriots have the passing, but the Seahawks have the rushing. Given the fact that LeGarrette Blount fits the system well, and the Patriots rely more on their offense, they have a slight edge. Other players such as Shane Vereen, Tim Wright and Danny Amendola provide critical first downs and red zone touchdowns for the Patriots.
Now, let's take a look at the defense.
DEFENSE
Seattle ranked first overall in multiple defensive categories. This season, the Seahawks rank first in yard against, points against, passing touchdowns allowed, and they were even second in rushing yards against. There's no weakness on this defense. Richard Sherman, Earl Thomas, Kam Chancellor and Byron Maxwell and Bobby Wagner appear to be unbeatable against any offense.
The Seahawks allowed just one touchdown against Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers in the NFC Championship game.
For the Patriots, defense doesn't win them games, but it has improved from previous years. New England allowed the eighth fewest points, 13th fewest yards, and ranked 14th in creating turnovers. Surprisingly, the Seahawks forced the 21st most turnovers. The Patriots ranked ninth against the run, but 17th against the pass.
Cornerback Darrelle Revis has made a big difference for the Patriots secondary, and linebacker Jamie Collins had a breakout season. Still, this Patriots secondary is very beatable, and without Jerod Mayo on the field, tackling Lynch in the open field will be extremely tough.
CONCLUSION
Without a doubt, the Seahawks have the defensive advantage. The Seahawks can stop the run, stop the pass, and they can do it without blitzing. Defensive coordinator Dan Quinn has the perfect zone scheme system in place to shut down any opposing offense.
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