For the first time since the 2018 season, the New England Patriots are back in the Super Bowl. That year, they won a tight 13-3 game against the Los Angeles Rams, who arrived with a powerful offense led by Jared Goff. However, the Patriots’ defense completely shut them down, allowing only a single field goal throughout the game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia.
Since then, many things have happened, most notably the departure of Tom Brady after winning six Super Bowl rings. The Patriots entered a severe crisis; the most positive moment was Mac Jones’ rookie season, when he led the team to the playoffs in 2021. After that, the franchise endured nothing but struggles-until this season, which has been impressive.
After three forgettable seasons, the team hired Mike Vrabel as head coach. Vrabel, who previously did a solid job with the Titans, found the right formula, and Drake Maye put together an MVP-caliber season. While the offense has not been outstanding in the playoffs, the defense has stepped up, and the Patriots are now set to face the Seattle Seahawks in the Super Bowl.
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Tom Brady sees the matchup as even
According to sportsbooks, the Seattle Seahawks are favored by 4 to 5 points, a significant margin. This is largely because they have had an excellent season and have defeated tougher opponents than the Patriots. In fact, in their two playoff games, they scored a combined 72 points against divisional rivals such as the 49ers and the Rams.
That is why, when Tom Brady was asked which team he thought looked better, the successful quarterback replied that he “didn’t have a dog in this fight.” This comment was poorly received by Patriots fans and even by some players, since many expected Brady-given his legendary status in New England-to support the team where he achieved everything.
However, Tom Brady is known for being straightforward, and that honesty is part of why he has been excelling as an NFL analyst on Fox. Still, linebacker Robert Spillane had this to say about the future Hall of Famer’s remarks: “Personally, it makes me sick,” according to Karen Guregian of MassLive.com.
Only time will tell what happens. Brady calling the Super Bowl an even matchup may simply be a way to avoid siding with either team, but the reality is that, although anything can happen, the Seattle Seahawks appear to be in better form. Additionally, this game serves as a rematch of the 2015 Super Bowl, when the Patriots took the championship away from Seattle.
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