Super Bowl XLIX is almost here, which means you’re probably planning to watch the Patriots and Seahawks go at it Sunday night, even if you’re not a fan of either team. You certainly don’t need to be a diehard football fan to enjoy all the excitement, entertainment, or at the very least the snacks that Super Bowl Sunday has to offer. But if it’s fierce competition, world-class athleticism and history-making potential you’re after, this year’s matchup promises to deliver.
Whether you’re a passionate football fan or a casual observer, here’s what you need to know when the Patriots and Seahawks take the field on Sunday!
The Teams
New England Patriots vs. Seattle Seahawks
The Place
The University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona
The Time
February 1, 2015 at 6:30 PM ET
The History
This will be the Patriots 8th Super Bowl appearance (they’re 3-4) and the Seahawks 3rd (they’re 1-1).
Fun Fact: The Seahawks are looking to win their second straight championship, which would make them the first team to win back-to-back Super Bowls since – you guessed it – the New England Patriots (in 2003 and 2004).
The last time these two teams met was October 14, 2012 in Seattle. After trailing the Patriots by 13 points in the fourth quarter, the Seahawks came back to win 24-23.
Good to know: After the game, Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman famously chirped, “You mad, bro?” at Patriots QB Tom Brady. The line is sure to be a talking point at many Super Bowl parties and discussions!
Names to Know
Russell Wilson – The Seahawks Quarterback is an unbelievable 10-0 in his career against Super Bowl winning quarterbacks. He is one of just two NFL quarterbacks to start and win a playoff game in each of his first 3 seasons.
Tom Brady – The Patriots quarterback is an impressive 20-8 in the postseason and 3-2 in Super Bowl games. He’s looking to win his fourth Super Bowl ring, a feat that only two other quarterbacks – Joe Montana and Terry Bradshaw – have accomplished.
Marshawn Lynch – Known by the telling nickname “Beast Mode,” the Seahawks running back now has 4 consecutive seasons with more than 1,000 yards and 10 touchdowns.
Rob Gronkowski – The Patriots tight end had an impressive 82 catches and 12 touchdowns during the regular season. He also has more receiving touchdowns during his first five seasons than any tight end in NFL history (55).
Bobby Wagner – When the Seahawks had this linebacker on the field in the regular season, they allowed just one rushing touchdown every 82 carries.
Compare that to one rushing TD every 27 carries when Wagner was sidelined, and it’s clear he’s a crucial element to the Seahawks defense.
Bill Belichick – The Patriots head coach has won more post-season games than any other coach in NFL history (21). Also noteworthy: he is 180-55 with Brady as quarterback, but his record drops to 52-63 without Brady on his roster.
Pete Carroll – The Seahawks head coach was the Patriots head coach before Belichick, making this only the third time that a head coach and his predecessor have faced each other in the Super Bowl.
By the Numbers
6 – Number of rushing touchdowns that the Patriots defense allowed during the regular season. Also, the number of times Tom Brady will have started in a Super Bowl game, more than any other quarterback in NFL history.
8 – Number of consecutive games the Seahawks have won (including playoffs) going into Super Bowl XLIX.
15.9 – The average number of points per game allowed by the Seahawks defense, which is the best in the league. The Seahawks also ranked first in yards per game and yards per play allowed.
17 – Number of touchdowns scored by Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch (includes postseason games), the most of any NFL player this year.
20 – Number of post-season games that Tom Brady has won, an NFL record for quarterbacks. He also holds the record for most postseason starts by a quarterback (28).
29.3 – The average number points per game scored by the Patriots offense during regular season, the 4th highest in the NFL (the Seahawks ranked 10th with an average of 24.6 points per game).
36 – Number of wins that Russell Wilson has accumulated since joining the Seahawks, the most wins by a quarterback during his first three seasons.
172.6 – Number of rushing yards that the Seahawks offense averaged per game, an NFL best.
Well, that’s the rundown for you. I know writing it got me pumped up for Sunday, so I hope you enjoyed reading it just as much! Now it’s time to make your predictions – who will win Super Bowl XLIX?
If your team wins, make sure to head on over to our site for one-of-a-kind Super Bowl XLIX commemorative tributes you can’t find in stores or anywhere else. Of course, our winning selection of NFL licensed jewelry, apparel, collectibles and decor has something for every NFL fan. Because win or lose, a true fan always stands by their team!
Super Bowl Sunday 2015: Your Guide to Super Bowl XLIX by Ann Kelley
