Huard Reveals Top 6 Super Bowl Keys to Watch

The upcoming Super Bowl presents a pivotal clash between the Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots, with both teams vying for the coveted Lombardi Trophy. Former NFL quarterback Brock Huard recently shared six crucial factors to monitor as the teams prepare to face off at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, on Sunday.

Key Factors in the Super Bowl

• Patriots’ Pass Rush: Despite a below-average regular-season performance with only 35 sacks, the Patriots have turned it up in the playoffs. They’ve recorded 12 sacks over three games, including six against the Los Angeles Chargers. Huard emphasized that the Patriots employ a high blitz rate, which causes difficulty for opposing quarterbacks, particularly Sam Darnold.
• Seattle’s Defensive Strategy: The Seahawks’ defense has been among the best, allowing the fewest points in the regular season. Huard noted that the Patriots might attempt to exploit weaknesses similar to those identified by the Rams earlier in the season.
• Quarterback on the Run: Patriots quarterback Drake Maye has been a dual threat, accumulating 591 rushing yards this season, ranking second among quarterbacks. Huard suggested that the Seahawks may need to adjust their defensive strategy to counter his mobility.
• Utilizing Jaxon Smith-Njigba: As one of the NFL’s prominent offensive players, Smith-Njigba will be a focal point against New England’s top cornerback, Christian Gonzalez. Huard remarked on the challenge of matching Gonzalez against the versatile Smith-Njigba.
• Controlling the Edges: Huard highlighted the significance of the line of scrimmage, particularly how effectively Seattle can reach the edges with their running plays. This aspect may be critical in maintaining offensive momentum.
• Seahawks’ Defensive Line Strength: With a strong defensive line, featuring key players like Leonard Williams and Byron Murphy II, the Seahawks should capitalize on potential weaknesses in the Patriots’ offensive line, which has struggled with considerable sacks this season.

Potential Matchups and Adjustments

Huard believes that how the Seahawks manage the pressure from New England will be vital. The communication among Seattle’s offensive linemen will play a crucial role in mitigating the chaos brought by the Patriots’ defense. Additionally, Huard pointed out that recognizing personnel shifts and adapting on the fly will be essential for success.

Tune in to Brock and Salk on weekdays or explore the full conversation through the Seattle Sports app to gain further insights into this high-stakes matchup. As the Seahawks look to secure their second Super Bowl title, understanding these keys will be instrumental for both teams as they strategize for this monumental game.