ESPN Names One Critical Advantage That Could Carry Patriots To Super Bowl Win
'With the zone coverage tendencies of the Seattle defense'
The Patriots have several strategies they can employ to win a football game, from great play by Drake Maye to a defense that can shut down the opponent. However, ESPN’s Matt Bowen highlighted New England’s running backs as a key factor in defeating the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl LX.
“With two dual-threat backs in Rhamondre Stevenson and rookie TreVeyon Henderson, the Patriots must create an offensive tempo by running the ball, while also getting them to contribute in the pass game,” Bowen wrote on Friday. “Stevenson led the NFL with 2.8 yards after contact per rush, showing off his short-area speed and power.
“Henderson gives the Patriots more juice on the perimeter and big-play ability, as he had 18 rushes of 10 or more yards this season. With the zone coverage tendencies of the Seattle defense, Stevenson and Henderson can produce as underneath outlets for Maye.”
New England’s running backs are gearing up for a tough matchup, as Pro Football Focus ranked Seattle’s defense as the third-best against the run this season.
Stevenson is set to have his hands full, but he has shown throughout the season that he can handle a tough challenge. At the beginning of the season, there was a chance head coach Mike Vrabel might bench him due to his fumbling issues, but he has been a rock-solid player for New England ever since Week 5.
If the Patriots can get Maye involved in the running game, it could open up lanes for the running backs while the Seahawks focus their attention on Maye. This strategy might create an excellent day for Stevenson and Henderson.
