New England Quarterback Tom Brady (l) and Atlanta Quarterback Matt Ryan (r). Facebook grab By Brian Reed-Baiotto, Sports Editor What: Super Bowl 51 Who: New England vs Atlanta Where: Houston, Tx When: Sunday, 3:30 TV: Fox, Channel 11 Most of America will be rooting for the Atlanta Falcons when they meet up with the New […]
New England Quarterback Tom Brady (l) and Atlanta Quarterback Matt Ryan (r). Facebook grab
By Brian Reed-Baiotto, Sports Editor
What: Super Bowl 51
Who: New England vs Atlanta
Where: Houston, Tx
When: Sunday, 3:30
TV: Fox, Channel 11
Most of America will be rooting for the Atlanta Falcons when they meet up with the New England Patriots at 3:30 on channel 11.
According to the polls taken nationwide, 54-percent want the Falcons, while only 27-percent want the Patriots. That leaves many who just don’t care.
Part of the reason for that is the general disdain many have for both New England head coach Bill Belichick and quarterback Tom Brady.
Many still think of the Patriots as cheaters for their multiple run ins with the NFL in deflating balls and illegally videotaping practices.
Make no mistake about it, though, the general dislike for Brady and Belichick is the same most of the nation feels for the New York Yankees and Duke Blue Devils in college basketball, because of their long-term success in their respective sports.
Additionally, Matt Ryan and the Falcons are the ‘David’ to New England’s ‘Goliath.’
Ryan is hoping to win the first Super Bowl title in franchise history for the Falcons.
New England and 4-time champion Tom Brady are slight favorites, but Pasadena area coaches and players split evenly on who they think will win.
While this writer has no dog in the fight, I still think it would be more fun to watch Ryan win his first than Brady winning his fifth, but here’s at least hoping for a good game.
Let’s see what area athletes and coaches think.
We asked them for what advantages both teams have, and then to predict the winner and final score.
St. Francis’ Jim Bonds played quarterback at UCLA and is head coach of arguably the area’s best football program.
“I think the firepower on offense is an advantage for Atlanta,” Jim Bonds said. “They have been lighting up the scoreboard with so many options to get the ball to. Julio Jones will be the most electric player on the field and Matt Ryan has been sharp in the playoffs.”
“I think the experience of playing in this game for the 7th time for Brady and Belichick is a huge advantage for New England. They have both dealt with the pressure and all of the distractions and know what to expect. It’s also hard to pick against the best quarterback/coach combo in NFL history.”
Prediction: New England 34, Atlanta 29
John Genske was not only the quarterback for the 10-1 Poly Panthers, he’s also currently a starting guard and leader on the first place basketball team.
“I think New England has a lot going for them in this,” Genske said. “Between Bill Belichick and Tom Brady, New England poses threats for any team in the NFL. When you add elite receivers like Julian Edelman and Gronk, it’s very difficult to stop those offensive threats.”
“(Atlanta receiver) Julio Jones is going to make problems for the Patriots defense.”
Prediction: New England 35, Atlanta 20
Kendall Kikkawa is an all-everything athlete at Flintridge Prep.
The Rebels senior was their running back, he runs point guard for the basketball team and when that’s done, he’ll be off to baseball.
“When you look at Atlanta, you have to give the advantage to the offense. Matt Ryan is playing like the MVP and playing the best he has played in his career,” Kikkawa said. “He now had so many threats, ranging from Jones to Sany and even has Freeman and Coleman out of the backfield. I think Atlanta is significantly better than any team New England has played in the playoffs.”
“New England’s Brady and Belichick have more experience than anybody. They’ll be poised throughout and you know Brady is going to be on. Even without Gronk, Brady had plenty of weapons, and a versatile backfield. New England also gets support from the defense and special teams.”
Prediction: Atlanta 33, New England 27
Michael Bonds, the nephew of St. Francis coach Jim Bonds threw 25 touchdowns to just 4 picks all last season.
He led the Golden Knights to a 9-2 mark, and is thought of as a very cerebral quarterback.
“I think it’s Matt Ryan’s ability to be so good on 3rd down and to have one of the highest completion percentages as a quarterback in the NFL,” is a big advantage for Atlanta, Michael Bonds surmised.
“I think New England has their advantages on offense with Tom Brady. Tom Brady is one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL, if not the best. He makes everyone around him better and is an excellent leader to watch/learn from.”
Prediction: Atlanta 35, New England 27
Marshall Coach Scott Faer brought a toughness that the Eagles hadn’t seen in a long time.
Faer, a corrections officer, led Marshall to a record season in 2016.
“Atlanta has a double-headed monster at the running back position,” Faer said. “Both are dangerous runners and pass threats. Julio Jones will cause problems as well for the Patriots defense. I believe Julio is one of the best WR’s in the league.”
“New England’s advantage is having the best coach in the NFL. It doesn’t hurt to have Tom Brady, who is also one of the best QB’s ever. In addition to that, Blounts powerful running style could wear down the Falcons defense. The Patriots’ receiving core always finds a way to get open and are great at getting yards after the catch.”
Prediction: Atlanta 41, New England 35
