The Cobra
02-03-2017, 09:14 PM
http://www.tsn.ca/polopoly_fs/1.655727.1485124810%21/fileimage/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_140/matt-ryan.jpg
Falcons Offence
First in 2016 points per game
2016 Regular Season Stats
Total yards Avg.
415.8
Pass Yards Avg.
295.3
Rush Yards Avg.
120.5
Points per Game
33.8
Offensive Starters
Matt Ryan, QB (2), 6-4, 217, 9th season, Boston College
Had best season, making All-Pro, leading NFL in passer rating (117.1), with 38 TDs ... First-rounder in 2008, third overall pick ... Has thrown for seven touchdowns and run for one in playoffs ... Popular in New England because of college career, won't be so popular there if he beats Patriots.
Devonta Freeman, RB (24), 5-8, 206, 3rd season, Florida State
Rushed for 1,000-plus yards and 11 TDs for second straight season ... Also can catch the ball ... Fourth-round pick who became starter in second NFL year.
Tevin Coleman, RB (26), 6-1, 210, 2nd season, Indiana
Complement to Freeman, third-round pick who has more speed ... Scored eight rushing TDs in 2016 and three as receiver ... Already has two post-season touchdowns.
Julio Jones, WR (11), 6-2, 220, 6th season, Alabama
All-Pro for second straight season ... Despite toe injury, had nine receptions for 180 yards and two touchdowns in NFC title game ... Uses speed, size and strength ... Can go long or turn short throws into big gains.
Mohamed Sanu, WR (12), 6-2, 210, 5th season, Rutgers
Key free agency pickup from Cincinnati ... Strong complement to Jones, had 59 receptions, four TDs during season, added two TD catches in post-season ... Versatile and athletic.
Taylor Gabriel, WR (18), 5-8, 167, 3rd season, Abilene Christian
Was released by Cleveland — yep, couldn't make Browns and is now in Super Bowl ... Scored six TDs during season after grabbing third WR role ... Undrafted because of size, but has proven dangerous downfield threat.
Austin Hooper, TE (81), 6-4, 248, 1st season, Stanford
Atlanta's third-round pick who didn't catch single pass in four games this season ... Strictly a receiver at the position, must improve blocking ... One of four tight ends on depth chart.
Jake Matthews, LT (70), 6-5, 305, 3rd season, Texas A&M
Son of Hall of Fame OL Bruce Matthews ... First-round pick in 2014 who has had best season ... Will need to be stout against variety of pass rushers for New England ... Houston native.
Andy Levitre, LG (67), 6-2, 303, 8th season, Oregon State
Athletic guard who can do a lot, but also must show he can handle power defenders ... Buffalo's second-rounder in 2009 ... Also played two seasons for Tennessee ... Durable, has never missed a start.
Alex Mack, C (50), 6-4, 311, 8th season, California
His addition from Cleveland solidified line ... One of the game's best centres, plays hard and plays hurt ... Has ankle injury, says it won't affect him in Super Bowl.
Chris Chester, RG (65), 6-3, 303, 11th season, Oklahoma
Has made career out of being good enough to start, though not a star ... A backup early in career, has started every game since 2011 ... Ravens' second-round pick in 2006, also was with Washington.
Ryan Schraeder, RT (73), 6-7, 300, 4th season, Valdosta State
Up-and-coming tackle who had strong season ... Tall, but anchors well and doesn't often let defenders get under him ... Undrafted player who saw action as tight end earlier in career.
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Patriots Defence
First in 2016 points allowed per game
2016 Regular Season Stats
Total yards Avg.
326.4
Pass Yards Avg.
237.9
Rush Yards Avg.
88.6
Points per Game
15.6
Defensive Starters
Chris Long, DE (95), 6-2, 270, 9th season, Virginia
First season with Patriots after eight injury-filled years with Rams ... Second overall pick in 2008 draft ... All-around performer who can stop run and rush passer ... Son of Hall of Fame DL Howie Long.
Alan Branch, DT (97), 6-6, 350, 10th season, Michigan
Branch has been around, really found home in Foxborough ... Second-round selection by Arizona in 2007, also played for Seattle and Buffalo ... Space eater who ties up blockers so others can make tackles.
Malcom Brown, DT (90), 6-2, 320, 2nd season, Texas
First-rounder in 2015 who has been solid since joining team ... Like Branch, more clogger than playmaker ... Won't have huge impact versus pass, but has four sacks this season.
Trey Flowers, DE (98), 6-2, 265, 2nd season, Arkansas
Developed quickly into team's best pass rusher ... After trading Chandler Jones, Patriots needed DE to step up and Flowers did after barely seeing field as rookie ... Finished with seven sacks, involved in 45 tackles.
Jabaal Sheard, DE (93),6-3, 265, 6th season, Pittsburgh
Veteran presence who escaped Cleveland and has been steady for New England ... Did best work for Browns in first three seasons after being selected in second round in 2011 ... Has 13 sacks in two seasons for Patriots.
Shea McLellin, LB (58), 6-2, 250, 5th season, Boise State
Another retread, 2012 first-rounder by Chicago who fizzled there ... Can get to the QB, also has nose for ball and has made four fumble recoveries in career ... Mostly situational player.
Dont'a Hightower, LB (54), 6-2, 265, 5th season, Alabama
Top defender and leader on unit ... Learned similar defensive style in school, adapted right away to Patriots ... First-round pick in 2012, pretty much starter when available ... Was part of 65 tackles this season, had 2 1/2 sacks.
Rob Ninkovich, LB (50), 6-2, 260, 11th season, Purdue
Whether he's lined up at end or LB, Ninkovich makes plays ... Fourth Super Bowl ... Joined Patriots in 2009, also was with Saints and Dolphins, but barely played ... 15 fumble recoveries, 52 sacks show his value.
Kyle Van Noy, LB (53), 6-3, 242, 3rd season, BYU
Yet another newcomer to New England who prospered on stingiest scoring defence in league ... Detroit's second-rounder in 2014, had little impact there ... Moves well, active in coverage, finds the ball.
Logan Ryan, CB (26), 5-11, 195, 4th season, Rutgers
Third-round choice in 2013, became regular in 2015 ... Has had excellent post-season, will be tested by Julio Jones and Sanu ... Has 14 picks ... Involved in 92 tackles this season.
Malcolm Butler, CB (21), 5-11, 190, 3rd season, West Alabama
Undrafted free agent who became Super Bowl hero with interception of Russell Wilson to clinch title two years ago ... Aggressive, good hands, reads routes well ... Figures to see plenty of Julio Jones ... Made 2015 Pro Bowl.
Eric Rowe, CB (25), 6-1, 205, 2nd season, Utah
Third cornerback who also came from elsewhere, was Philadelphia's second-round selection in 2015 ... Could see a lot of Gabriel ... Had interception of Ben Roethlisberger in AFC championship game.
Devin McCourty, S (32), 5-10, 195, 7th season, Rutgers
Most reliable DB on team ... Former cornerback who found home at safety, is leader of secondary ... Good tackler, reads offensive tendencies well ... Hits hard ... In third Super Bowl ... Twin Jason plays for Titans.
Patrick Chung, S (23), 5-11, 215, 8th season, Oregon
Second-round pick in 2009 who had many ups and downs ... Went to Eagles in 2013 and pretty much flopped ... Then returned to New England and has been solid ... Hard-hitting tackler with better ball skills and recognition than in first term with Patriots.
Falcons Offence
First in 2016 points per game
2016 Regular Season Stats
Total yards Avg.
415.8
Pass Yards Avg.
295.3
Rush Yards Avg.
120.5
Points per Game
33.8
Offensive Starters
Matt Ryan, QB (2), 6-4, 217, 9th season, Boston College
Had best season, making All-Pro, leading NFL in passer rating (117.1), with 38 TDs ... First-rounder in 2008, third overall pick ... Has thrown for seven touchdowns and run for one in playoffs ... Popular in New England because of college career, won't be so popular there if he beats Patriots.
Devonta Freeman, RB (24), 5-8, 206, 3rd season, Florida State
Rushed for 1,000-plus yards and 11 TDs for second straight season ... Also can catch the ball ... Fourth-round pick who became starter in second NFL year.
Tevin Coleman, RB (26), 6-1, 210, 2nd season, Indiana
Complement to Freeman, third-round pick who has more speed ... Scored eight rushing TDs in 2016 and three as receiver ... Already has two post-season touchdowns.
Julio Jones, WR (11), 6-2, 220, 6th season, Alabama
All-Pro for second straight season ... Despite toe injury, had nine receptions for 180 yards and two touchdowns in NFC title game ... Uses speed, size and strength ... Can go long or turn short throws into big gains.
Mohamed Sanu, WR (12), 6-2, 210, 5th season, Rutgers
Key free agency pickup from Cincinnati ... Strong complement to Jones, had 59 receptions, four TDs during season, added two TD catches in post-season ... Versatile and athletic.
Taylor Gabriel, WR (18), 5-8, 167, 3rd season, Abilene Christian
Was released by Cleveland — yep, couldn't make Browns and is now in Super Bowl ... Scored six TDs during season after grabbing third WR role ... Undrafted because of size, but has proven dangerous downfield threat.
Austin Hooper, TE (81), 6-4, 248, 1st season, Stanford
Atlanta's third-round pick who didn't catch single pass in four games this season ... Strictly a receiver at the position, must improve blocking ... One of four tight ends on depth chart.
Jake Matthews, LT (70), 6-5, 305, 3rd season, Texas A&M
Son of Hall of Fame OL Bruce Matthews ... First-round pick in 2014 who has had best season ... Will need to be stout against variety of pass rushers for New England ... Houston native.
Andy Levitre, LG (67), 6-2, 303, 8th season, Oregon State
Athletic guard who can do a lot, but also must show he can handle power defenders ... Buffalo's second-rounder in 2009 ... Also played two seasons for Tennessee ... Durable, has never missed a start.
Alex Mack, C (50), 6-4, 311, 8th season, California
His addition from Cleveland solidified line ... One of the game's best centres, plays hard and plays hurt ... Has ankle injury, says it won't affect him in Super Bowl.
Chris Chester, RG (65), 6-3, 303, 11th season, Oklahoma
Has made career out of being good enough to start, though not a star ... A backup early in career, has started every game since 2011 ... Ravens' second-round pick in 2006, also was with Washington.
Ryan Schraeder, RT (73), 6-7, 300, 4th season, Valdosta State
Up-and-coming tackle who had strong season ... Tall, but anchors well and doesn't often let defenders get under him ... Undrafted player who saw action as tight end earlier in career.
http://www.tsn.ca/polopoly_fs/1.660143.1486138185%21/fileimage/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/landscape_140/chris-long.jpg
Patriots Defence
First in 2016 points allowed per game
2016 Regular Season Stats
Total yards Avg.
326.4
Pass Yards Avg.
237.9
Rush Yards Avg.
88.6
Points per Game
15.6
Defensive Starters
Chris Long, DE (95), 6-2, 270, 9th season, Virginia
First season with Patriots after eight injury-filled years with Rams ... Second overall pick in 2008 draft ... All-around performer who can stop run and rush passer ... Son of Hall of Fame DL Howie Long.
Alan Branch, DT (97), 6-6, 350, 10th season, Michigan
Branch has been around, really found home in Foxborough ... Second-round selection by Arizona in 2007, also played for Seattle and Buffalo ... Space eater who ties up blockers so others can make tackles.
Malcom Brown, DT (90), 6-2, 320, 2nd season, Texas
First-rounder in 2015 who has been solid since joining team ... Like Branch, more clogger than playmaker ... Won't have huge impact versus pass, but has four sacks this season.
Trey Flowers, DE (98), 6-2, 265, 2nd season, Arkansas
Developed quickly into team's best pass rusher ... After trading Chandler Jones, Patriots needed DE to step up and Flowers did after barely seeing field as rookie ... Finished with seven sacks, involved in 45 tackles.
Jabaal Sheard, DE (93),6-3, 265, 6th season, Pittsburgh
Veteran presence who escaped Cleveland and has been steady for New England ... Did best work for Browns in first three seasons after being selected in second round in 2011 ... Has 13 sacks in two seasons for Patriots.
Shea McLellin, LB (58), 6-2, 250, 5th season, Boise State
Another retread, 2012 first-rounder by Chicago who fizzled there ... Can get to the QB, also has nose for ball and has made four fumble recoveries in career ... Mostly situational player.
Dont'a Hightower, LB (54), 6-2, 265, 5th season, Alabama
Top defender and leader on unit ... Learned similar defensive style in school, adapted right away to Patriots ... First-round pick in 2012, pretty much starter when available ... Was part of 65 tackles this season, had 2 1/2 sacks.
Rob Ninkovich, LB (50), 6-2, 260, 11th season, Purdue
Whether he's lined up at end or LB, Ninkovich makes plays ... Fourth Super Bowl ... Joined Patriots in 2009, also was with Saints and Dolphins, but barely played ... 15 fumble recoveries, 52 sacks show his value.
Kyle Van Noy, LB (53), 6-3, 242, 3rd season, BYU
Yet another newcomer to New England who prospered on stingiest scoring defence in league ... Detroit's second-rounder in 2014, had little impact there ... Moves well, active in coverage, finds the ball.
Logan Ryan, CB (26), 5-11, 195, 4th season, Rutgers
Third-round choice in 2013, became regular in 2015 ... Has had excellent post-season, will be tested by Julio Jones and Sanu ... Has 14 picks ... Involved in 92 tackles this season.
Malcolm Butler, CB (21), 5-11, 190, 3rd season, West Alabama
Undrafted free agent who became Super Bowl hero with interception of Russell Wilson to clinch title two years ago ... Aggressive, good hands, reads routes well ... Figures to see plenty of Julio Jones ... Made 2015 Pro Bowl.
Eric Rowe, CB (25), 6-1, 205, 2nd season, Utah
Third cornerback who also came from elsewhere, was Philadelphia's second-round selection in 2015 ... Could see a lot of Gabriel ... Had interception of Ben Roethlisberger in AFC championship game.
Devin McCourty, S (32), 5-10, 195, 7th season, Rutgers
Most reliable DB on team ... Former cornerback who found home at safety, is leader of secondary ... Good tackler, reads offensive tendencies well ... Hits hard ... In third Super Bowl ... Twin Jason plays for Titans.
Patrick Chung, S (23), 5-11, 215, 8th season, Oregon
Second-round pick in 2009 who had many ups and downs ... Went to Eagles in 2013 and pretty much flopped ... Then returned to New England and has been solid ... Hard-hitting tackler with better ball skills and recognition than in first term with Patriots.