The greatest show on earth is finally here. Tonight will bring an end to a record setting season of offense and fittingly two of its highlights will contest a hugely-anticipated final game.
Make no mistake, this game is one of the closest to call from the last few years (I outlined that earlier this in my betting preview). It could boil down to one or all of these five points.
Todd Gurley
This is the question on everybody’s lips: How fit is running back Todd Gurley? CJ Anderson has been amazing since being brought in late in the season. But Todd Gurley is, well, Todd Gurley. If he is 100% fit - as stated by McVay - earlier in the week, the running back will be a major issue for the Patriots. Especially in the receiving game out of the backfield. But as reported by NFL Media's Ian Rapaport, the Rams plan to use the running back sparingly. Mind games? Perhaps. We won't know until game time.
The Patriots efficiency on offence and running game
If you watched the Patriots last two games, they have started both games by chewing the clock with their run game -- being especially clinical on third and fourth downs. If the Rams get a big stop early in the game, it could be a large momentum swing. And as Sky Sports' Cecil Martin once said, “Mr. Mo” can be the best player to have on your side.
Rams D-Line vs Patriots O-Line
Tom Brady owes the Patriots offensive line an awful lot of nice presents this off-season if the team goes on to win tonight. Brady hasn’t been sacked in the post-season -- despite facing two potent pass rushes in the Los Angeles Chargers and the Kansas City Chiefs.
The Patriots O-Line is very talented, but the Rams defensive front is a different beast. Los Angeles has four first round picks including the now reigning defensive player of the year and sack leader, Aaron Donald.
If the Rams can generate a pass rush and pressure Brady. I think the Rams could easily come out on top.
The Patriots Run Defense
This is massive. The Rams play through the effectiveness of their ground game allowing their pass action game plan to work. Jared Goff is a much better quarterback when running play action. I think this could be an early sign in the game as to what way it will go. If Belichick can stop the Rams running the ball and make them a one dimensional offence, it may be lights out for LA.
Rams Linebacker Core
This, to me, appears to be one of the biggest mismatches in the game. James White and Rex Burkhead are excellent pass catchers out of the backfield. If the Rams can limit the amount of short throws Brady can make to his running backs and not allow many yards-after-catch, they might very well be in a good position to let their defensive line disrupt Brady.
Enda Smith
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