suuma's NFL Super Bowl XLIV Write-Up

79-51 YTD (60.7%)

First of all I want to say „thank  you“. Thanks to everybody being an asset to this forum. Thanks to everybody who wrote down his thoughts week in week out. Thanks to everybody who stopped by and contributed in my threads. I cannot wait for the next season to start. I don’t want to call names but there is one thing I want to say: scalabrine and LeagueCapper, I always love reading your threads/novels, even though you likely had losing seasons. But I don’t really care, because your pre-game thoughts are always a great input and the people with a brain will always appreciate it, because this forum is about talking football and not bashing others for failure because one's own life is worthless. Just keep doing your thing, gentlemen!

Over the season I saw a lot of people using total yards statistics to compare teams. I don’t get this and want to explain something here. Using total yardage to compare teams makes NO sense mathematically. You have to eliminate the time of possession and the number of attempts per game. You can only compare two teams on their efficiency on a single down. Some examples:

The Eagles give up the 5^th most total yards per game. So people think the Eagles have one of the worst defenses in the league. In fact, they only give up 5.4 yards per play, that’s the 17^th best number in the league. They also have the 5^th best run defense (3.7 YPC). So why do they give up tons of yards ? Because their defense is on the field for an average of 33 minutes and 19 seconds, that’s the most time of all teams. Opponents run an average of 69.6 plays per game against the Eagles. That’s due to their no-huddle offense that is not on the field for a long time. Run another type of offense and they will concede way less yards and points because they are solid on a single down. They also average the 4^th most total yards on offense. But would you call a Mark Sanchez-led offense the 4^th best in the league ? No, because they only have the 11^th best offense in a single down. The Texans have the 16^th best defense in terms of total yards, but the 6^th best in yards per play. If you don’t have a good QB, you defense will concede more yardage. Conclusion: Don’t let total yards numbers fool you!

Now let’s talk some Super Bowl football. I don’t care about the deflategate story or the “you mad, bro?”-stuff. I also don’t care about last week’s outcomes. Overreaction is a cruel mistress in sports betting. I also don’t care about the fact that Seattle won the SB last year when the “public” was on Denver like this time on NE or that Russel Wilson is 10-0 against Super Bowl winning QBs. I just want to cap the matchup on the field.

NE rushing offense vs. SEA rushing defense

NE are not a run-first team, though they have been averaging just 3.9 YPC (#24), while Seattle is the 3^rd best rushing defense, allowing just 3.6 YPC. This matchup clearly goes to the Hawks. But there is one outstanding thing: NE don’t need to run to set up the passing game. They need to pass to set up the run game. Vereen and Gray ran for 3.9 YPC against the Jets in the first matchup, Vereen/Bolden ran for 6.3 YPC against the Jets in the second one, Blount/Vereen ran for 4.5 YPC against Detroit. They are pretty much able to run for solid numbers against good run defenses, but they need their flow. Hawks win this matchup and will likely shut down the run early in the game, but I can see the Pats run a few 5-10 yarders when Seahawks try to defend the pass. Brandon Mebane was brilliant at stuffing the run. He is a big loss, but Seattle should still do well. Edge: Seattle

NE passing offense vs. SEA passing defense

This is the key matchup to win this game for any team. NE is one of those teams where you don’t need to look at yards per pass attempt. They ran an offense that is set up to execute. Short routes, screen passes and medium-ranged passes make this offense so variable. This offense only struggled when they face big time pressure from the opposite d-line like against KC, NYJ or BUF (2^nd game). But even against other strong d-lines they had an easy game like Detroit, Denver, Baltimore. Pass defense starts at the d-line. How about the Seattle d-line ? That’s their only weakness. They can’t generate a decent pass rush and can’t pressure QBs. On top of that the injuries of Mebane and Hill are hurting them. Their d-line is obviously lacking some depth, that could be a key factor in the 2^nd quarter. Even the Raiders rallied to score 21 points in the 2^nd half. Raiders have a very good o-line, same as the Patriots. Patriots give up just 4.4 sacks per 100 plays, that’s good for 2^nd in the league. The best team in that category ? The Denver Broncos who were able to start a comeback late in week 2 at Seattle. Some other good o-lines Seattle faced ? Dallas, NYG & GB. NYG scored 17 points but should really have 24 points (tipped INT in the end zone by OBJ). Seattle gave up an average of 22.6 points when they faced a good o-line. Carolina are not on top of good o-lines over the season but their o-line has been one of the best lately and they as well almost dropped 24 points on the Hawks. Tom Brady will have a field day. They will add a short route to most passing plays to take away the Seattle blitzes. Even the Legion of Boom will look like an average defense because of these variable passing plays. San Diego hat an equal gameplan like NE has everytime: Short routes and don’t let the LOB come too close. Rivers burned them heavily and Gates went for 7 catches, 96 yards and 3 TDs. Wait to see what Gronk will do. Edge: New England

 

SEA rushing offense vs. NE rushing defense

The best rushing offense in the league (5.2 YPC) against the 11^th best rushing defense (4.1 YPC). IMO the NE stats are a little bit blending and they are worse than that.  NE were up in many games and opponents tried to pass heavily instead of running the ball. When NE faced good running teams in games they couldn’t control from start to finish: 5.0 YPC @MIA, 5.4 @KC, 5.1 vs. NYJ, 4.9 vs. BAL. I would rank the NE rushing defense between 15 and 20 rather than at #11. My expectation: Seattle will run all over New England. NE can’t stop the run against Seattle. Beastmode and Russel will be too much for them. A lot of designed plays for Russel and the read option should cause some major damage for the Pats. The 100-yard-line should be broken early in the third quarter, if not before halftime. Edge: Seattle

SEA passing offense vs. NE passing defense

Now it gets very interesting. With Richardson out, there is a deep threat missing. Richardson wasn’t an important guy numbers wise, but he is able to stretch the field and create some space between the LBs and secondary. Seahawks have been averaging 7.3 yards per pass attempt. This line is awesome when you consider the weak receiving core Russel Wilson has been dealing with. His o-line isn’t great as well with an adjusted sack rate of 8.7% (#24). NE have the 12^th ranked pass defense (6.5 YPPA) and a shutdown corner in Darrelle Revis. Opposite like NE, Seattle have to be successful on the ground to set up the passing game. The NE d-line is simply average, so Russel will likely have some time in play action situations. But I can’t see the Hawks go deep against these playmakers on the NE secondary so they are likely to search medium ranged passes like comebacks between 10-15 yards and a few short passes to Marshawn Lynch. Luke Willson could see some targets as well. They should look to get yardage after catches. With a good running game, I can see the Hawks being successful at times when they play a conservative passing game but the receivers of Seattle won’t beat the NE secondary. This could be a factor when NE is up in the fourth quarter and the play calls get a little bit riskier for Wilson. Edge: Slightly New England.

Special teams: Seriously, I never cap special teams. It is the biggest random variable in the NFL.

Situational angle: I think both teams have enough motivation to play for, lol. The Deflategate stuff should put the Patriots team more together than before and the awesome fourth quarter comeback last week should push the other side as well.

Some other aspects:

-         -Seahawks are the most penalized team in the NFL (0.07 penalties per play)

-         -Ne have the 5^th best red zone TD scoring offense (62.34%) against Seattle’s 20^th best scoring defense (56.82%). The other way around it’s the 20^th scoring offense (51.52%) against NE’s 11^th best scoring defense (51.92%)

-         -Both teams are almost equal in third down situations on both sides of the ball

-         -New England has the clear advantage in fourth down situations on both sides of the ball

 

Summary: IMO it is an even game with a slight advantage for the New England Patriots. What I can definitely see: many points. 10-7 first quarter, 17-17 first half and the over is just a matter of time. Both QBs will make a statement in this game and I can see Tom Brady getting the last red zone touch. It should be a fun game to watch.

Over 47.5 -105 **Big play

New England Patriots pk -104

Patriots +7 & Over 40.5 -130

My big plays went 3-1 this NFL season, would be great to finish the season 4-1 on them.

I wish all of you a great Super Bowl weekend. Have some fun and some green!!!

GL, Suuma! 

Suuma, great season!

 Lockette steps in for Richardson.........one of the fastest guys in the NFL. Even if they don't throw to him much he's a threat.........& that is Browner's weakness......he can be beat deep.

Good luck Summa. You present a compelling case.  Should be a great game.

Great..Great write up and Breakdown..Agree largest play on the Over...I see it in low 50's......BOL to ya...
Hammer em..!!

I love your teaser.. I think +7 either way will win.. It will be a 3 point game.. 

Appreciate it Summa.

I did have a losing season: 7-9, so I decided to shut it down (plus I have some things at work going on, for months now, that prevent me from doing extended write-ups like yours above so I decided not to post, win or lose).

Another quality write-up.

I have to say, the two primary posters I read are you and BeginnerBoy and you and him are on opposite sides on this game.

That makes me uncomfortable.

I only like the side here although you make a great argument for the over.

I also love what you wrote about NE Passing O vs. Sea Passing D.

All in all, I'm going to give this one more thought but this write-up, along with BB's, really helped. Congrats on the 60% mark. That is no small accomplishment especially with your volume! Don't disappear and be sure to come back NY!

Gl on your plays Suuma... Enjoy watching SB and have a great season

sharps are on the under...

Great Write up and appreciate the time to research all the info.  I agree with you and have NE at a pick -110 and over 48 -110

good luck and congrats on the season

 

Never really read much of your threads suuma. 

helluva write-up suuma and very informative. I enjoyed reading your posts throughout the season and BOL with your plays on sunday. Enjoy the game and great season buddy

Thanks Suuma
 

one of the best here...and i dont even like gridiron

Just want to say congratulations Suuma on a Great year...................you have been so consistent throughout the season......much Props to you........I absolutely agree on your take on having LC, BB, Train, Calbear, AMD, Vankiep,Glyde ,Wiseguy,Europa,Scal....and others I forgot to have  write-ups, whether we agree or disagree.....I Work so much................I just appreciate everyone having the time to cap the games and share their knowledge to us right or wrong......will be on the Over with you......haven't decided on a side yet......but just want to say Thank You Suuma.......now off to the Super Bowl and some Props too......

Agree with the Over, on the Seattle Side. I think Pete Carroll is going to disguise blitz packages and drop some d-linemen into the zone flats to compensate for their lesser than last year front 4. 

Thank You Suuma.

Other side of you. GL Suuma 

Good luck, on under and unsure on side.

Good Luck, you are always a good read

Good luck Mr Heffernan. Pats.  

[Quote: Originally Posted by suuma]79-51 YTD (60.7%)

First of all I want to say „thank  you“. Thanks to everybody being an asset to
this forum. Thanks to everybody who wrote down his thoughts week in week out. Thanks
to everybody who stopped by and contributed in my threads. I cannot wait for
the next season to start. I don’t want to call names but there is one thing I
want to say: scalabrine and LeagueCapper, I always love reading your
threads/novels, even though you likely had losing seasons. But I don’t really
care, because your pre-game thoughts are always a great input and the people
with a brain will always appreciate it, because this forum is about talking
football and not bashing others for failure because one's own life is worthless.
Just keep doing your thing, gentlemen!



Over the season I saw a lot of people using total
yards statistics to compare teams. I don’t get this and want to explain
something here. Using total yardage to compare teams makes NO sense
mathematically. You have to eliminate the time of possession and the number of
attempts per game. You can only compare two teams on their efficiency on a
single down. Some examples:

The Eagles give up the 5th most total yards
per game. So people think the Eagles have one of the worst defenses in the
league. In fact, they only give up 5.4 yards per play, that’s the 17th
best number in the league. They also have the 5th best run defense
(3.7 YPC). So why do they give up tons of yards ? Because their defense is on
the field for an average of 33 minutes and 19 seconds, that’s the most time of
all teams. Opponents run an average of 69.6 plays per game against the Eagles. That’s
due to their no-huddle offense that is not on the field for a long time. Run
another type of offense and they will concede way less yards and points because
they are solid on a single down. They also average the 4th most
total yards on offense. But would you call a Mark Sanchez-led offense the 4th
best in the league ? No, because they only have the 11th best
offense in a single down. The Texans have the 16th best defense in
terms of total yards, but the 6th best in yards per play. If you don’t
have a good QB, you defense will concede more yardage. Conclusion: Don’t let
total yards numbers fool you!Now let’s talk some Super Bowl football. I don’t care about the
deflategate story or the “you mad, bro?”-stuff. I also don’t care about last
week’s outcomes. Overreaction is a cruel mistress


Yes. My mistress over reacts in a cruel way all the time, indeed.

Thanks Mr Suuma