With the 2017 Super Bowl approaching, it begs the question: who is going to win?  The explosive Atlanta Falcons, who come to Houston with the number one ranked offense and an 11-5 record, or the New England Patriots, who have the number one ranked defense and a record of 14-2. They also enter the Super Bowl with 8 previous appearances and a total of 4 championship wins. On the other hand, the Falcons have only had one previous appearance in a Super Bowl, which resulted in a loss.

Obviously, the Falcons are coming into this game with a huge disadvantage, but they are well equipped to give the Patriots defense a run for their money.  Over the season, Matt Ryan, quarterback for the Falcons, broke the NFL record for most consecutive games (46) with at least 200 passing yards. In addition, Ryan also threw for almost 5000 yards during the regular season. Adding to their stellar passing attack, the Falcons have a dynamic ground game. Devonta Freeman has rushed for 1079 yards with 11 touchdowns this season. The Falcons’ real weapon resides with star wide receiver Julio Jones. Jones has had a phenomenal season, accumulating 1,409 receiving yards and six touchdowns. He also broke a team record this year by receiving for 300 yards in one game. On the defensive side of the ball, the Falcons are not lacking. Vic Beasley ended the season 15.5 sacks, a very hefty accomplishment.

The Patriots are at a huge advantage because of the Falcon’s lack of experience. The Patriots are coming in with the number one defense in the league and the experience of eight previous Super Bowls. The Patriots have had a smooth run this season, despite a couple major setbacks. Quarterback Tom Brady was suspended for the first four games of the season, and tight end Rob Gronkowski is out for the rest of the season due to a season-ending back injury. When Tom Brady returned, he performed well and concluded his season with 3554 passing yards, 28 touchdowns, and only two interceptions in comparison with Ryan’s seven. Not only did Tom Brady step up this season after suspension, two of the Patriots’ off season picks, tight end Martellus Bennett and wide receiver Chris Hogan had some phenomenal performances.  Even though they have one of their key players missing, the Patriots have eight times the experience of the Falcons and great chemistry between the team and the coach.

What do fellow Freedom Patriots think about the Super Bowl match?

Senior Richard Bove stated, “The Patriots are much more well-rounded and experienced than the Falcons. Although I think that the Patriots will win, I think that the Falcons deserve it more since they have never won the Super Bowl.”

Junior Cortney Mort also shared this opinion, “I think the Patriots will win, but I want the Falcons to win since they are the underdogs.”

On the other hand, Senior Xavier Walker supports the Patriots.

“The Patriots clearly deserve to win since Tom Brady got suspended for four games,” claimed Walker.

Whatever the outcome, the Super Bowl is sure to be an exciting game.