Super Bowl week is in full swing in Houston with the teams well into their media obligations. ESPN.com says the defenses of the Patriots and Falcons couldn’t be more different.
Their Stats & Info. branch relates their top10 stats heading into Sunday’s game. They also provide some insight on how the Patriots defense might try to deal with Julio Jones. ESPNBoston.com says Julian Edelman is proving to be a good catch in the playoffs.
The Boston Globe says the former Rutgers roommates are ready for a Super Bowl reunion. Atlanta GM Thomas Dimitroff has paved his own path to the Super Bowl. Family concerns have been weighing on Tom Brady’s mind.
The Boston Herald catches up with Dante Scarnecchia, who finds himself home once again with the Patriots. Falcons coach Dan Quinn has experience with shifting game plans. Nate Solder, who has dealt with his own son’s battle with cancer, has worked with others trying to overcome the ordeal. Having his sons on the staff this season has made this a special year for Bill Belichick. Atlanta's Deion Jones shows his speed while blooming for the Falcons defense.
The Los Angeles Times lists 20 reasons why this game is the ultimate Good vs. Evil matchup.
The Providence Journal explains how Dwight Freeney and Tom Brady have been rivals for years. Robert Kraft has been a constant presence for the Patriots, and the players and coaches wouldn't have it any other way. Martellus Bennett says he probably won’t go to the White House with his teammates if the Patriots win.
Troy Aikman says the league should change the name of the championship trophy to the Bill Belichick Trophy. MassLive.com says Bennett’s teammates have enjoyed his humor this season. Belichick says it was apparent from Day 1 that Malcolm Butler could play.
CSNNE.com says Nate Solder and Marcus Cannon were once at odds but now lean on each other for support. Edelman isn’t concerned with Keyshawn Johnson’s disparaging comments. CSNNE.com also wonders if the ground game will be needed on Sunday.
NESN.com says Nate Ebner can cap off a magical year with a Super Bowl victory. Shannon Sharpe praised Brady, calling him the GOAT. Belichick gave a “long answer to a short question” about his father's influence. Matt Ryan downplayed some texts he received earlier this week from Eli Manning. Brady needs to bone up on his Spanish with the Patriots reportedly set to play in Mexico City.
WEEI.com explains how Belichick is preparing for Sunday. Belichick says Brady puts it all together as a great role model for the Patriots. Logan Ryan spent time as a scout team quarterback at Rutgers before becoming an NFL corner for the AFC Champs. Josh McDaniels explains further why he chose to stay in New England.
The Worcester Telegram says old friend Joe Vellano has found a home with Atlanta. Marcus Cannon has been the key to the offensive line’s turnaround. The Eagle-Tribune provides a bunch of nuggets on the Super Bowl. *The Union-Leader *says the young Falcons are not awed by their surroundings.
