It is finally here. Super Bowl LIII. The New England Patriots will take the field against the Los Angeles Rams. The matchup could be an offensive explosion of sorts. There are plenty of playmakers on both sides of the ball, and everyone will have to play their absolute best. With lots of intriguing matchups, lets look at the 10 players whose performance will make or break their team.
1) Patriots Left Tackle Trent Brown
The Patriots got rid of longtime left tackle Nate Solder to free agency in the offseason. After seven years of protecting Tom Brady‘s blindside, Solder signed with the New York Giants. Brown has started every game this season for the Patriots, and none will be as big as the last game of the year. It has been his first season as a starter in the NFL, so the Rams will bring pressure on that side of the line to try to confuse him. If Brown can not stop the pass rush, Tom Brady could find himself on his back a few times tonight.
2) Patriots Running Back Sony Michel
The Patriots went into the offseason wanting to look for a fresh face to put in their backfield. They took Georgia running back Sony Michel in the first round. Michel has worked out phenomenally for the Patriots, splitting starting time with James White. In the past two Super Bowls, the Patriots have not been able to establish a strong rushing attack, and it will be crucial for them to mix up their plays against the Rams defense.
3) Rams Running Back Todd Gurley
Todd Gurley has been extraordinary for the Rams since coming into the league in 2015. He has been in the conversation for top running back in the league the past three years. The Patriots have played some good teams in the Super Bowl, but they have not faced a running back of Gurley’s caliber. The linebacker core for New England will have to smother Gurley throughout the game to ensure that they have a chance to win.
4) Rams Wide Receiver Brandin Cooks
Patriots cornerback Stephen Gilmore will most like shut down Robert Woods for most of the game. With that said, Rams quarterback Jared Goff could look Cooks’ was quite a few times in the game. Cooks could be an explosive weapon, and he has a favorable matchup against Jason McCourty. If the Rams want to get the passing game going, they will have to rely on Cooks creating space for himself throughout the game.
5) Patriots Center David Andrews
Andrews could be the guy the Patriots need to step up the most. He will have to take on the task of blocking Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald. Donald won the Defensive Player of the Year Award last night, and rightfully so. He finished the season just one sack away from the all-time record in a season. Tom Brady need time to find open receivers, and Andrews will have to perform well for the Patriots to win.
6) Patriots Tight End Rob Gronkowski
No tight end in NFL history has looked as dominant on the field as Rob Gronkowski. He has been Tom Brady’s favorite target over the last few seasons. Gronkowski has a skillset that makes him nearly impossible to contain. His unique combination of speed and strength makes him a matchup nightmare. The Rams could double team him to start the game, and he will need to prove to the Rams that he need to be double covered throughout.
7) Patriots Wide Receiver Julian Edelman
Edelman has been Brady’s go to guy for the past five years, and this season was no different. After serving a four game suspension to start the year, he returned as good as ever. He will be the primary target for Brady, as he could be the only Patriots receiver that can create space. He will line up in the slot most of the game to create mismatches against linebackers or third string cornerbacks.
8) Rams Outside Linebacker Samson Ebukam
Ebukam has started in 14 games this year for the Rams, and has looked good at times. The Rams defense could rely on Ebukam a lot during the game. He will be responsible for the tough task of either stopping the run, covering the slot receiver downfield, or covering the short swing pass to the running back. All three types of plays are a crucial part of the Patriots offense.
9) Rams Safety Lamarcus Joyner
The Rams will have to rely on Joyner to prevent the deep ball. While the cornerbacks for the Rams will play aggressive underneath to get the interception, Joyner will prevent big breakout plays. While the Patriots do not necessarily have a perennial deep threat, Tom Brady has a way of fitting the ball into tight spaces deep down the field.
10) Patriots Outside Linebacker Dont’a Hightower
Hightower has been the anchor of the Patriots defense since arriving in New England in 2012. While he has played magnificent in past Super Bowls, this one will be his most difficult. Every receiver on the Rams is explosive, the blocking scheme of the Rams is the best in the league, and he will have to cover Todd Gurley throughout the game. It will be a hard task, but if he can pull it off, the Patriots will be in great shape defensively.
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