3 key matchups in Super Bowl XLIX
Tom Brady vs. Richard Sherman
Two of the smartest players at their respective positions will matchup Sunday in what should be a game-long battle. The "U Mad Bro" story won't die from their last meeting, but this is more a chess match between two grand masters than a social media cat fight.
Brady could just ignore Sherman's side all together, but that's what makes this matchup so intriguing. Can Sherman goad Brady into throwing his way?
After notching eight picks in each of his last two seasons, Sherman saw that number dwindle to four in 2014. But since the playoffs began, he's been hot, with interceptions in both outings. His injury could also be a major factor.
Brady threw left almost twice as many times as he did right in 2014, according to Pro Football Focus, so Sherman will have to be twice as sneaky Sunday to entice throws to the right side of the field, where he'll be patrolling.
Kam Chancellor vs. Rob Gronkowski
Two physical specimens will line up against each other at times during the Super Bowl and viewers should be excited about it.
After teammate Jeremy Lane told the media that getting physical with Gronk was a way to shut him down, Chancellor may have to be the one to actually cash that check come game day.
In coverage, Chancellor needs to defend the inside slant and fade route, especially in the red zone, if he wants to stop Gronk from making big plays. Disrupting those two routes will likely determine who wins this matchup.
Gronk is such a freak athletically that it might be an impossible task.
Jamie Collins vs. Marshawn Lynch
The Patriots' leading tackler will be the first responder in many Beast Mode-related emergencies on Sunday. His ability to contain Lynch will be paramount in limiting the running back to as few yards after contact as humanly possible.
But Collins will need help. The common refrain when it comes to Lynch is that gang tackling is the only way to bring him down once he gets a head of steam.
If Collins can be sound in initial contact, his teammates will be able to rally to the ball and stop Lynch from breaking off a long run or two. It is highly likely that Lynch rumbles over a few tacklers in this game, so limiting chances will be important.