The Super Bowl XLIX Thread #2 For 2/1/15: The X's and O's Keys To The Title

The Key Matchups

When Seattle Has The Ball

Luke Wilson vs Jamie Collins - Belichick knows that the emerging tight end is Wilson's number
options and will hope Collins becomes the linebacker he has always sort. One who can also be great in coverage as he is in everything else.

Russell Wilson & Marshawn Lynch vs Collins & Dont'a Hightower - Hightower and Collins are athletic enough to tackle and cover Lynch. Their coverage skills will be more important tonight since Lynch is a fine receiver and be Wilson's #1 safety net.

Russell Okung vs Chandler Jones - Can Jones stay contained against the run option as well as when he rushes up the field? Especially against a sound force in Okung.

James Carpentier vs Vince Wilfork- This is where Seattle's effectiveness on the offensive end could be decided, as Wilfork is the ultimate run stuffer but with also need to make Wilson uncomfortable and crowded if he tries to begin scrambling. That will only be possible if Jones and Rob Ninkovich.

Jeremaine Kearse vs Brandon Browner - Darrelle Revis is expected to shut down Doug Baldwin, so it is vital that Kearse may it happen against a man he knows too well in Browner.

When New England Has The Ball 

Michael Bennett & Cliff Avril vs Nate Solder & Sebastian Vollmer - Can Solder and Vollmer protect Brady, or will he be under pressure for a third straight Super Bowl

Kam Chancellor & KJ Wright vs Rob Gronkowski & Shane Vereen - A major matchup made even more intriguing now with Chancellor carrying a late injury. Can he somehow, somehow, shut down Gronkowski with any help from Earl Thomas?

Earl Thomas vs Julian Edelman - Thomas with his injuries will make it tough on him making the great open field tackles he makes, something that you most do against the tough and slippery Edelman.

Bobby Wagner vs LaGarette Blount - Blount hopes to pound the ball like DeMarcus Murray and Eddie Lacy did this season against the Seahawks. Wagner will hope to contain that all the way.

Richard Sherman vs Brandon LaFell - So key this matchup is when Lafell goes deep, as he will try to out physique Sherman and catch him sleeping at any time.

Prediction in a bit.......