"The best unit on the field is Seattle's defense. After that, everything else feels like a wash. The Seahawks pass-rush is relentless and runs deep; they had six different players record at least 35 pressures this year, while no other team had more than four such players. The Patriots' offensive line is vulnerable and pass rushers typically decide championship games. It's going to take a special performance from Maye (and maybe a trick play to rob a possession) to keep the Patriots in it."
"The Seahawks are a top-to-bottom juggernaut that can beat you so many ways. New England's high blitz-rate success has gotten them this far, but Seattle can beat them so many ways. Quarterback protection? Check. Staunch run game? Check. High-octane passing attack? Check. Seattle's offense is essentially quarterback proof, especially when your quarterback can compartmentalize his rags-to-riches story. Meanwhile, New England's offense is not quite quarterback-proof, and Maye's miscues will hurt the Patriots much more than in their three previous matchups."
"Darnold settles down and plays yet another clean playoff game on the way to claiming MVP honors and cementing the signature win of his career at last, in a redemption story that gives critics more reason to pile on the Jets for holding up his progress. Mike Macdonald makes coaching defense sexy again and the loss of Kubiak reportedly bound for Las Vegas after this game begins the talent raid on the Seattle coaching staff."
Projected final scores include Seahawks 27-24 and Seahawks 27-17. Seattle's defense is the best unit, anchored by a relentless pass rush with six different players recording at least 35 pressures while no other team had more than four. The Patriots' offensive line is vulnerable, making pass rushers game-deciding; Maye must deliver a special performance and possibly use a trick play to keep New England competitive. Seattle's offense functions as a top-to-bottom juggernaut with quarterback protection, a staunch run game, and a high-octane passing attack. Darnold settles into clean playoff play toward MVP honors, and Kubiak's departure to Las Vegas may trigger a Seattle coaching talent raid.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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