Offensively, New England will need both the run game and the passing attack operating at a high level to counter Seattle’s defensive strengths in the season’s culmination.
In the AFC Championship against the Denver Broncos, veteran running back Rhamondre Stevenson carried the load as weather conditions deteriorated, a performance TreVeyon Henderson highlighted as instrumental to securing the win and punching the Patriots’ ticket to the Super Bowl.
Henderson praised Stevenson for “putting his team on his back” and delivering the tough and dirty yards, noting the offensive line, tight ends, and receivers in support and emphasizing the value of Stevenson’s leadership for the rookie in his first NFL season.
Vrabel entered Super Bowl week acknowledging the challenge of facing Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold, stressing that New England will focus on being sound and efficient, while recognizing Darnold’s growth and opportunity in Seattle’s offense.
With Macdonald’s defensive unit preparing to limit Darnold and Seattle’s offense, the Patriots will also monitor standout weapon Jaxson Smith-Njigba as a key factor for the Seahawks, aiming to contain Seattle’s passing attack and sustain their own balanced game plan.
