by Andrew Pasquini – Sports 1140 KHTK

The New England Patriots are back in the Super Bowl and face the Rams, the same team they defeated in 2002 to win their first Super Bowl. 17 years later, the Patriots have been the constant in the Super Bowl.

Here’s the three reasons they’ll beat the Rams on Sunday:

Super Bowl experience

The Rams and Patriots are fairly close in terms of team ability but the one category New England has dominated Los Angeles in and that’s Super Bowl appearances. Since their matchup in Super Bowl XXXVI in 2002, the Patriots have appeared in seven Super Bowls while the Rams have only made the playoffs three times. Players on the Patriots have collectively played in 86 Super Bowls where the players on the Rams have played in a collective five.

The offensive line

The New England offensive line faces a tough task against a Rams defensive line that features Aaron Donald and Ndamukong Suh. Donald led the NFL in sacks with 20.5 but hasn’t recorded one in the postseason while Suh only had 4.5 sacks but already has 1.5 in the postseason. The front five for the Patriots only allowed 21 sacks this season and hasn’t allowed Brady to be sacked in the postseason so far.

Sony Michel

Michel has been an important offensive piece for the Patriots in the playoffs. In their two games in the playoffs, Michel has rushed for 242 yards on 53 carries and five touchdowns. The Rams rush defense has been vulnerable at times this season, allowing just above 122 yards per game and a league-worst 5.1 yards per carry. While Brady, Gronkowski, and Julian Edelman get the attention on offense, Michel could be the play to watch Sunday.

 

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