In the Red Zone

This Week

New England Patriots vs Seattle Seahawks

The AFC Champion New England Patriots take on the NFC Champion Seattle Seahawks at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale AZ on Sunday February 1 at 6:30 p.m. in Super Bowl XLIX.

Based on rotation the Seahawks are the designated “home” team

The Patriots The Seahawks
Season 14-4 Season 14-4
SB Record 3-4 SB Record 1-1
Playoff Teams 6-1 Playoff teams 7-1
NFC Conf 3-1 AFC Conf 2-2

The Referee

  • Bill Vinovich is the referee for Super Bowl XLIX. This is his first Super Bowl as an official.
  • Vinovich was the referee for the Patriots AFC Divisional Game vs. Baltimore and the Week 15 game vs. Miami. In two games involving New England he called them for 12 penalties for 111 yards. Their opponents were flagged 12 times for 100 yards.
  • Patriots are 4-1 when Vinovich is the ref and are 2-0 in the playoffs.
  • He officiated the Seahawks game vs. Denver in Week 3 and again at Philadelphia Week 14. In two games involving the Seattle he called them for 15 penalties for 101 yards and their opponents drew 8 flags for 96 yards.
  • Seattle is 7-1 with Vinovich as the referee.

The Line/Prediction

As of Thursday the line on the game from sportsbetting.ag via Yahoo Sports has the Patriots at MINUS 1. The over/under is 48.

My Prediction is Patriots 30, Seahawks, 24. Give the points (Patriots) and take the over. I am 11-7 against the spread and 9 of 18 on calling the over/under in 2014.

Weather for the Game

If you’re lucky enough to be going to the game in Glendale make sure you check out the links.

Here is the up to date weather forecast from the Weather Channel for Glendale AZ.

Tailgating

Here’s a bunch of different tailgating recipes from Tailgating.com. There’s something there for everyone and every type of meal or snack. I’ve tried some of the recipes and they’re very good.

You can find other recipes from the team on their website. Includes Gronk’s Buffalo Chicken Dip, Carne Asada Fries, Cincinnati Chili and more.

And with tailgating many people enjoy some adult beverages. With that in mind check out Drink Nation for how to make all sorts of great drinks. You can look things up by name, ingredient(s) or theme.

Whether it’s at the game, a bar or a friend’s house moderation is always the key to a great time. Please don’t drink and drive and designate a sober driver. Remember drive sober or get pulled over.

BROADCAST INFORMATION

Television

NBC is televising the game nationally Al Michaels will do play by play while Cris Collinsworth will provide the game analysis and Michele Tafoya will work the sidelines. You can look here for your local affiliate.

This is NBC’s 18th Super Bowl tying CBS for the most broadcasts.

Here are all the rules on NFL TV broadcasts including explaining the blackout rules; flex scheduling and commercial breaks.

Radio

The Patriots Radio Network broadcasts the game from flagship station WBZ-FM, 98.5 the Sports Hub in Boston. Bob Socci handles the play-by-play and former Patriots QB Scott Zolak will do the game analysis. It all starts with Gary Tanguay and Andy Gresh with the pregame show at 3:30 P.M. on the network. The post game starts after the final gun and continues for three hours along the network.

With Tanguay’s contract not being renewed and Gresh leaving the Sports Hub this will be their last game as pre and post game hosts on the Patriots Radio Network. No replacements have been named.

The Patriots Radio Network call is available on Sirius Channel 85, XM Channel 85 and SiriusXM Internet Channel 818.

The Seahawks Radio Network will carry the game with Steve Raible calling the play-by-play and Hall of Fame QB Warren Moon doing the analysis from their flagship station, KIRO 97.3FM and 710AM ESPN.

Their call is available on Sirius Channel 93; XM Channel 225 and SiriusXM Internet Channel 826.

Westwood One will carry the game to a national audience the game. Kevin Harlan will call the game, Boomer Esiason do analysis and James Lofton and Mark Malone will be on the sidelines.

Their call is available on Sirius Channel 88, XM Channel 88 and SiriusXM Internet Channel 88.

The Venue – University of Phoenix Stadium

  • The University of Phoenix Stadium (UoPS) is the regular season home of the NFL’s Arizona Cardinals since 2006 and the Fiesta Bowl since 2007.
  • It seats 63,400 and is expandable to 78,600.
  • Has a retractable roof that will reportedly be open for Super Bowl XLIX.
  • This is the second Super Bowl the venue has hosted, having been home to Super Bowl XLII between the New York Giants and the New England Patriots.
  • UoPS has 88 luxury lofts.
  • It borders the Gila River Arena home of the Arizona Coyotes of the NHL.
  • There are no obstructed view seats in the stadium.
  • The playing surface is on a tray and can be rolled in and out of the stadium through the end zone to allow for more seating for concert events.
  • The largest event UoPS has held is the 2011 BCS National Championship Game between Auburn University and the University of Oregon and attended by a record 78,603.
  • It also hosted the 2015 NFL Pro-Bowl this past Sunday.
  • Will host the 2017 NCAA Men’s Basketball Final Four.
  • If you are lucky enough to be going to the game here is a UoPS seating chart for Super Bowl XLIX. There is also a link on the page to change it to an interactive view.

Super Bowl Notes

  • Second year in a row two #1 seeds have matched up in the game. Last year was Seattle (NFC) and Denver (AFC).
  • Fifth time in the current playoff format (since 1990) that the top seeds have met.
Super Bowl Top NFC Seed Top AFC Seed
XXVI Washington (NFC) Buffalo (AFC)
XXVIII Dallas (NFC) Buffalo (AFC)
XLIV New Orleans (NFC) Indianapolis (AFC)
XLVIII Seattle (NFC) Denver (AFC)
XLIX Seattle (NFC) New England (AFC)
  • First time for back-to-back games with both #1 seeds since Super Bowl XVIII (Los Angeles – AFC vs. Washington – NFC) and Super Bowl XIX (San Francisco – NFC vs. Miami – AFC).
  • NFC leads in wins over the AFC, 26-22.
  • Super Bowl XLVIII was most watched American television program history with a reported 111.5 million viewers.
  • This is the 13th Super Bowl to be played in February.
  • Designated “away” teams have won 28 of the 48 Super Bowls.
  • Teams wearing white jerseys have won 30 of the 48 Super Bowls.
  • Katy Perry and Lenny Kravitz are the halftime entertainment and Idina Menzel will perform the National Anthem.

Past Super Bowl matchups:

Super Bowl Winning Team Losing Team Score
I Green Bay (NFL) Kansas City (AFL) 35-10
II Green Bay (NFL) Oakland (AFL) 33-14
III New York (AFL) Baltimore (NFL) 16-7
IV Kansas City (AFL) Minnesota (NFL) 23-7
V Baltimore (AFC) Dallas (NFC) 16-13
VI Dallas (NFC) Miami (AFC) 24-3
VII Miami (AFC) Washington 14-7
VIII Miami (AFC) Minnesota (NFC) 24-7
IX Pittsburgh (AFC) Minnesota (NFC0 16-6
X Pittsburgh (AFC) Dallas (NFC) 21-17
XI Oakland (AFC) Minnesota (NFC) 32-14
XII Dallas (NFC) Denver (AFC) 27-10
XIII Pittsburgh (AFC) Dallas (NFC) 35-31
XIV Pittsburgh (AFC) Los Angeles (NFC) 31-19
XV Oakland (AFC) Philadelphia (NFC) 27-10
XVI San Francisco (NFC) Cincinnati (AFC) 26-21
XVII Washington (NFC) Miami (AFC) 27-17
XVIII Los Angeles (AFC) Washington (NFC) 38-9
XIX San Francisco (NFC) Miami (AFC) 38-16
XX Chicago (NFC) New England (AFC) 46-10
XXI New York (NFC) Denver (AFC) 39-20
XXII Washington (NFC) Denver (AFC) 42-10
XXIII San Francisco (NFC) Cincinnati (AFC) 20-16
XXIV San Francisco (NFC) Denver (AFC) 55-10
XXV New York (NFC) Buffalo (AFC) 20-19
XXVI Washington (NFC) Buffalo (AFC) 37-24
XXVII Dallas (NFC) Buffalo (AFC) 52-17
XXVIII Dallas (NFC) Buffalo (AFC) 30-13
XXIX San Francisco (NFC) San Diego (AFC) 49-26
XXX Dallas (NFC) Pittsburgh (AFC) 27-17
XXXI Green Bay (NFC) New England (AFC) 35-21
XXXII Denver (AFC) Green Bay (AFC) 31-24
XXXIII Denver (AFC) Atlanta (NFC) 34-19
XXXIV St. Louis (NFC) Tennessee (AFC) 23-16
XXXV Baltimore (AFC) New York (NFC) 34-7
XXXVI New England (AFC) St. Louis (NFC) 20-17
XXXVII Tampa Bay (NFC) Oakland (AFC) 48-21
XXXVIII New England (AFC) Carolina (NFC) 32-29
XXXIX New England (AFC) Philadelphia (NFC) 24-21
XL Pittsburgh (AFC) Seattle (NFC) 21-10
XLI Indianapolis (AFC) Chicago (NFC) 29-17
XLII New York (NFC) New England (AFC) 17-14
XLIII Pittsburgh (AFC) Arizona (NFC) 27-23
XLIV New Orleans (NFC) Indianapolis (AFC) 31-17
XLV Green Bay (NFC) Pittsburgh (AFC) 31-25
XLVI New York (NFC) New England (AFC) 21-17
XLVII Baltimore (AFC) San Francisco (NFC) 34-31
XLVIII Seattle (NFC) Denver (AFC) 43-8
  • Last back-to-back winner – New England Patriots 2003-04
  • Last winner to fail to repeat – Green Bay Packers 1996-97
  • A New England win would give them four Super Bowl titles and make them the 6th team with at least four titles.
Franchise Super Bowl Wins
Pittsburgh 6
Dallas 5
San Francisco 5
Green Bay 4
New York Giants 4
  • Four teams have yet to play in a Super Bowl – Cleveland, Detroit, Jacksonville and Houston.
  • New York Jets have the longest Super Bowl drought, now at 46 years.
  • Minnesota and Buffalo have both been to four Super Bowls without a win.
  • One game featured a game opening KOR for a TD – Super Bowl XLI (Devin Hester – Chicago).
  • Fewest points by one team – Miami 3, Super Bowl VI.
  • Most points by one team – San Francisco 55, Super Bowl XXIV.
  • Largest margin of victory – 45 points by San Francisco Super Bowl XXIV (55-10).
  • Smallest margin of victory – 1 point by New York Giants Super Bowl XXV (20-19).
  • Four coaches have lost four Super Bowls – Marv Levy (Buffalo), Bud Grant (Minnesota), Don Shula (Baltimore/Miami) and Dan Reeves (Denver/Atlanta).
  • Denver’s Terrell Davis (Super Bowl XXXII) is the only running back to rush for 3 TD’s in a Super Bowl.
  • Three teams have lost the Super Bowl without drawing a penalty they are Miami (VI), Denver (XXIV) and Atlanta (XXXIII).
  • Super Bowl XLVII featured brothers as opposing head coaches (Baltimore – John Harbaugh and San Francisco – Jim Harbaugh).
  • Super Bowl XIV between Pittsburgh and Los Angeles in the Rose Bowl in Pasadena CA had the largest attendance of any game with 103,985.

Conference Championship Games

The Patriots routed the Indianapolis Colts 45-7 at Gillette Stadium, while the Seahawks had a miracle comeback to defeat the Green Bay Packers in OT, 28-22 at Century Link Field.

History

  • This is the first Super Bowl meeting between the teams.
  • The series, which started in 1977, is tied 8-8 between the teams.
  • Seattle has won 6 of the last 8 meetings dating back to 1989.
  • Seahawks won the last game Week 6 – 2012 at Century Link Field, 24-23.

Patriots Team Notes

Here is the Patriots roster, depth chart and injury report for the game.

2014 Patriots Schedule/Results

Franchise notes:

  • The Patriots overall franchise record is 450-377-9. They have won three Super Bowls (XXXVI, XXXVIII, XXXIX) in seven previous appearances. Overall they are 27-18 in the post season.
  • Prior to this season they last appeared in the playoffs in 2013 when they beat Indianapolis in the AFC Divisional Round 43-22 and lost at Denver 26-16 in the AFC Championship Game.
  • Since 1994 have sold out 228 consecutive home games.

Patriots in the Post Season:

  • This is the franchise’s 8th trip to the Super Bowl.
  • Teams with most Super Bowl appearances:
Team Appearances
New England 8
Dallas 8
Pittsburgh 8
Denver 7
San Francisco 6
  • They have made 7 Super Bowl trips since 1994, 3 more than the next closest team (Pittsburgh, 4).
  • They are now 2-0 in the 2014 postseason after beating Baltimore in the AFC Division Game, 35-31 and routing Indianapolis 45-7 in the AFC Championship Game.
  • The Patriots are now the defending six-time AFC East Champions. They have won the division 12 times and the conference 6 times since 2000.
  • Overall the Patriots have had 22 playoff seasons, won their division 17 times and the conference 8 times.
  • They have been AFC Champions eight times (1985, 1996, 2001, 2003, 2004, 2007, 2011 and 2014).
  • Patriots are the first team since the 2001-04 Philadelphia Eagles to advance to four consecutive conference championship games. Only the 2001-04 Philadelphia Eagles; 1990-93 Buffalo Bills (4); 1970-73 and 1992-95 Dallas Cowboys (4) and 1973-77 Oakland Raiders (5) are the only other teams with 4 or more consecutive conference championship game appearances.
  • Only Green Bay and New England have made the NFL Playoffs every season since 2009.
  • Patriots are 3-4 in Super Bowl Games:
Date Super Bowl Location Opponent W/L Score
2/5/2012 XLVI Indianapolis IN New York Giants L 21-17
2/3/2008 XLII Glendale AZ New York Giants L 17-14
2/6/2005 XXXIX Jacksonville FL Philadelphia W 24-21
2/1/2004 XXXVIII Houston TX Carolina W 32-29
2/3/2002 XXXVI New Orleans LA St. Louis W 20-17
1/26/1997 XXXIX New Orleans LA Green Bay L 35-21
1/26/1986 XX New Orleans LA Chicago L 46-10
  • New England is first team to have earned 10 first round byes and first AFC team with five consecutive byes in the playoffs since this playoff format was established in 1990.
  • They are 13-3 in playoff games at Gillette Stadium and 17-4 at home overall. They are 10-14 as the road team in the post season (including neutral sites).
  • They have a home winning percentage in the postseason of .810 (17-4) that is second best behind Seattle’s .846 (11-2) among teams with at least 10 home playoff games.
  • Since the 1970 merger the Patriots are tied for 3rd all time (Miami) with 29 winning seasons behind Dallas (30) and Pittsburgh (32).
  • New England has the 5th most playoff wins in NFL history with 27. Only Green Bay (30), San Francisco (31), Pittsburgh (33) and Dallas (34) have more.
  • Patriots had most playoff wins in the 2000’s decade (14) tying for most playoff wins in a decade with the 1970’s Pittsburgh Steelers and 1970’s Dallas Cowboys.
  • Patriots Playoff Record by Round:
Round W/L Record
First Round* 0-1
Wild Card 4-3
Division Game 12-6
AFC Championship 8-3
AFL Championship 0-1
Super Bowl 3-4

* 1982 Strike Season format

  • The Patriots have 4 players who have never played in the postseason and 17 players with Super Bowl experience.

The Kraft Family Era (1994-present):

This is the 21st season of Patriots ownership by the Kraft family. Since Robert Kraft bought the team in 1994 they:

  • Have the most Super Bowl wins, 3.
  • Have the most regular season wins, 229.
  • Have the most wins including playoffs, 252.
  • Tied with Halas family for fastest owners to 250 wins (358 games).
  • Have the most conference titles, 7.
  • Have the most division titles, 14.
  • Have the most playoff wins, 23
  • Have played the most playoff games, 35.
  • Are tied for the most playoff seasons, 16.
  • The fewest head coaches within the division, 3.
  • Have drafted the most Pro Bowl players, 20.

The 23 playoff wins under their ownership is the 4th most in NFL history. Only the Rooney family (Pittsburgh, 33), the Green Bay Packers (public ownership, 31), and the Mara Family (New York Giants, 24) have more.

In the Belichick Era (2000-present):

  • The Patriots are the top seed in the AFC for the fifth time since 2003. They were also the #1 seed in 2007, 2010 and 2011.
  • In Belichick’s 15 seasons Patriots are 95-25 in the second half of the season. They have gone 8-0 four times and 7-1 FOUR times.
  • Since 2001 the Patriots are 84-22 in games played on or after Thanksgiving that’s the best record in the NFL.
  • Since 2003 the Patriots have the NFL’s best record at 150-42.
  • New England is the only NFL team to finish .500 or better in each of the last 14 seasons. Green Bay is 2nd with 6 seasons and then Cincinnati with 3 seasons in a row.
  • Have had 9 seasons under Belichick in which the defense has allowed 20 points per game or less (2001, 2003-04, 2006-10, 2014).
  • Have had 9 first round byes under Belichick since 2001 including 5 in a row.
  • Since 2011 they are PLUS 63 in turnover differential best in the NFL.
  • Since 2010 they have 10 TD’s or safeties on special teams (2nd in NFL) and 9 takeaways on punts or KOR (5th).

Against the Seahawks:

Past playoff battles:

  • None
  • Patriots are 8-8 vs. Seahawks. They are 4-5 as the home team and 4-3 as the road team.
  • New England had a 3-2 record in 2014 against common opponents (Green Bay L; San Diego W; Denver W; Oakland W; Kansas City L).
  • New England has twice shutout Seattle in the series, 31-0 in 1977 and 16-0 in 1982.
  • Teams met 12 times between 1980 and 1993 but only three times since (2004, 2008, and 2012).
  • Seahawks are the only non-division opponent the Patriots played twice in one regular season (1993). That was the one year the NFL had an 18-week schedule with 2 bye weeks.

Last Game vs. the Colts:

  • Tied franchise record for most points in a game (45) set in 2011 vs. Denver in AFC Division game.
  • Set franchise record for largest margin of victory in playoffs (38).
  • Had 177 rushing yards marking the 5th time in 45 playoff games they have exceeded 175 rushing yards in a game. Three of those games have been against Indianapolis.
  • RB LeGarrett Blount had 30 carries for 148 yards and 3 TD’s.
  • Allowed zero second half points.
  • Outscored the Colts 28-0 in the second half.
  • OL Cameron Flemming was eligible 28 times as the fifth receiver he had zero targets.
  • Edelman also had 71 yards on 3 punt returns with a long of 45 yards.
  • Patriots had the ball for 37:49; Indianapolis had it for 22:11.
  • New England had 397 total yards to Indianapolis 209.
  • Patriots had 6 penalties vs. the Colts for 45 yards.
  • Seven of the Colts top 10 yardage plays allowed by the Patriots were passing plays the longest being 36 yards (Andrew Luck to T.Y. Hilton). Their longest rush against the defense was 17 yards by Daniel Herron.
  • Seven of the top 10 yardage plays for the Patriots were pass plays the longest being the 30-yard pass by Tom Brady to Shane Vereen. The longest run play was a 22-yard rush by LeGarrett Blount.

In the 2014 Season:

  • Patriots opponents for 2015 are: Home – Miami, NYJets, Buffalo, Jacksonville, Tennessee, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia and Washington. Road – Miami, NYJets, Buffalo, Denver, Indianapolis, Houston, Dallas and NY Giants.
  • They were 8-3 against opponents with a winning record.
  • Scored 52 TD’s fifth most in team history and 468 points also fifth most in team history.
  • Lead NFL with most red zone points (338) having converted on 61 of 67 red zone opportunities (39 TD’s; 22 FG).
  • Longest Patriots drive by play was 17 plays (twice Week 14 at San Diego; Week 8 vs. Chicago), longest by time was 7:56 (Week 14 at San Diego).
  • First downs by Patriots offense in a game, most (33) Week 11 at Indianapolis, fewest (13) Week 4 at Kansas City.
  • Third down efficiency 98/221 (44.3%); 4th down efficiency 7/13 (53.8%).
  • They had 5848 yards, ran 1073 plays of which 438 were rush attempts and averaged 5.5 yards per play.
  • The offensive line allowed 26 sacks for 170 lost yards and had 9 INT’s.
  • They had 34 passing TD’s and 13 rushing TD’s. They also had 2 fumble recovery TD’s, a punt returned for a TD and 2 blocked kicks returned for TD’s.
  • They did not allow a kick of any form to be blocked this year.
  • They fumbled 13 times (Brady, 6) and only lost 4 (Brady, 3) this season.
  • Their average time of possession was 29:37.
  • First downs allowed by the Patriots defense in a game, most (28) Week 6 vs. NY Jets and the fewest, (13) Week 14 at San Diego.
  • 3rd down conversions allowed 84/209 (40.2%), 4th down conversions allowed 8/23 (34.8%).
  • They allowed 3,837 total yards, and had 1,033 plays run against them of which 419 were rushing attempts and allowed 5.3 yards per play.
  • They had 40 sacks on the season for 282 yards and had 16 INT’s.
  • They allowed 24 passing TD’s, 6 rushing TD’s, 1 INT return TD and 1 fumble return TD.
  • They forced 19 fumbles and recovered 9.
  • They had 5 blocked kicks four of them were FGA’s and 1 punt.
  • Have 14 consecutive winning seasons by far the most currently in the NFL.
  • They have scored 40 or more points five times this season tying the franchise record set in 2012.
  • New England had 120 penalties this season and was penalized 1,080 yards. This eclipses the Patriots totals for 2013 when they had 69 penalties and lost 625 yards.
  • New England is PLUS 12 in turnover differential they are 2nd in the NFL. They have 16 INT and have recovered 9 fumbles while they have thrown 9 INT’s and lost 4 fumbles.
  • They scored 112 points off of takeaways and gave up 51 points on giveaways for PLUS 61 points.
  • The Patriots were 4th in points scored averaging 29.3 points per game and 8th in points allowed with 19.6 points per game.
  • Revis and Gronkowski were also selected as First Team All-Pro’s. Gronk’s selection was unanimous as he had all 50 votes. Gostkowski was selected as a Second Team All-Pro.

Patriots Staff Notes

Bill Belichick notes:

  • Bill Belichick is 3-2 vs. Seattle he is 2-1 as the head coach in New England.
  • Overall in his NFL career Belichick is 211-107 in his 20th NFL season as a head coach. He is 173-63 with New England and 36-44 with Cleveland. He is 21-9 in the playoffs, 20-8 as head coach of the Patriots in the post season. When you combine his regular season and post season records he is 232-117.
  • Belichick’s 21 postseason wins make him first all-time.
  • Belichick’s 232 wins are good for 4th all-time. Passed Curly Lambeau (229) for 4th all-time Week 16 at NYJets with a 17-16 win.
  • Is tied with Curly Lambeau for the second most consecutive winning seasons as a head coach with 14. Tom Landry is first with 20.
  • He has won 6 conference titles and is tied with Don Shula.
  • Has been to 9 conference championship games second only to Tom Landry (10).
  • No coach either as the head coach or an assistant has appeared in more Super Bowls than Belichick who has been to 9 (six as a head coach).
  • He is the first head coach to have had 4 teams that scored at least 500 points in a season.
  • Belichick is one of five head coaches in NFL history whose father (Steve Belichick) played in the league. The others are former Kansas City head coach Todd Haley (Dick Haley), former San Francisco head coach Mike Nolan (Dick Nolan), former Cincinnati head coach David Shula (Don Shula) and former NY Jets head coach Joe Walton (Frank Walton).
  • Belichick is one of just four coaches to win three Super Bowls, joining Chuck Noll (4), Joe Gibbs (3) and Bill Walsh (3). Those men are all in the Hall of Fame.
  • He is the only coach in NFL history to win three championship titles in four seasons.
  • With 12 Division Titles has the most of any head coach since the merger.
  • He is the only coach in NFL history to have led his team to 10+ wins in 12 consecutive seasons.
  • Has twelve 11-win seasons (11 with New England) in his career, only Don Shula (13) has more.
  • Has nine 12-win seasons in his career.
  • He has been NFL Coach of the Year three times he and Chuck Knox are the only three time winners, while Don Shula won four times.

Other staff/personnel notes:

  • Josh McDaniels is in his 3rd season as offensive coordinator in his second time in the position. McDaniels has been the offensive coordinator for New England (2012-present; 2006-2008) and St.Louis (2011). He was also the head coach for Denver (2009-10) and the quarterbacks coach in New England (2004-05).
  • Matt Patricia is in his 3rd season as the defensive coordinator (2012-present). He has been with New England since 2004 serving as assistant offensive line coach (2004-05), linebackers coach (2006-10) and safeties coach (2011).

Patriots Possible Starters

Offense:

  • LT: Solder
  • LG: Connolly
  • C: Stork
  • RG: Wendell
  • RT: Vollmer
  • TE: Gronkowski
  • WR: Amendola
  • WR: LaFell
  • WR: Edelman
  • QB: Brady
  • RB: Blount

Defense:

  • DE: Ninkovich
  • DT: Wilfork
  • DT: Branch
  • DE: Cha. Jones
  • LB: Collins
  • LB: Ayers
  • LB: Hightower
  • LCB: Revis
  • RCB: Browner
  • S: Chung
  • S: McCourty

Patriots Players Notes

Tom Brady Notes:

  • This is his 15th NFL season he is 1-1 vs. Seattle in his career. He is 3-2 in Super Bowls. This is his 6th Super Bowl he ties Buffalo’s Mike Lodish for most appearances in a Super Bowl.
  • In his last game against the Seahawks he was 36 of 58 (62.1%) for 395 yards, 2 TD’s, 2 INT’s.
  • In 2 career games vs. Seattle Brady is 55 of 88 (62.5%) for 626 yards, 3 TD’s and 3 INT’s.
  • Is making his 29th career playoff start most in NFL history for a quarterback and will tie Jerry Rice for 2nd most all-time. Former Patriot Adam Vinatieri is the all-time leader with 30 postseason games.
  • Overall he is 160-48 as a starting QB and is 20-8 in the playoffs for an overall record of 180-56. He is a 10 time Pro Bowl QB; 3 time All-Pro selection; two time NFL MVP and has won 3 Super Bowls while twice being named the games MVP. He is also listed as the 21st Greatest Player in the History of the NFL according to the NFL Network.
  • Has won 12 Division Titles the most of any quarterback.
  • Has 8 comeback wins in the post season including three in Super Bowls. Two of those Super Bowl comebacks were completed with 1:21 or less left on the clock.
  • His 20 post season wins are the most by any quarterback.
  • Along with Bart Starr, Eli Manning and Bradshaw, his two Super Bowl MVP awards are second only to Joe Montana who has three.
  • Has second most 300-yard games in the postseason with 7. Peyton Manning has the most, 9.
  • All-time NFL leader in post season TD passes (49), completions (646) and passing attempts (1,035) and passing yards (7,017).
  • Will set NFL record for most Super Bowl starts by a QB (6).
  • Has most Super Bowl passing yards (1,277), most completions (127) and tied for second with Terry Bradshaw for most TD passes (9) behind Joe Montana (11).
  • In 5 Super Bowls he is 127 for 197 (64.5%) for 1,277 yards, 9 TD’s and 2 INT’s.

Rob Gronkowski notes:

  • Missed the 2013 post season with an injury, will play in his 8th career playoff game. This is his 2nd Super Bowl.
  • Had 7 catches for 108 yards and 1 TD vs. Baltimore in AFC Division Game.
  • Led team in TD’s with 12 and receiving yards with 1,124 on 82 catches (2nd on team).
  • Has caught a pass in 65 consecutive games it’s the 4th longest streak currently for a tight end.
  • He is the 9th tight end in NFL history to have at least two seasons with 1,000 or more receiving yards.
  • Led NFL tight ends in receiving yards (1,124), receiving yards per game (74.9), TD catches (12), 1st down receptions (60) and receptions of 25 or more yards (10).
  • Became 9th Patriots player with 300 or more career receptions.
  • First TE in NFL history to have four seasons with 10 or more TD catches when he grabbed a 14-yard Tom Brady pass at San Diego Week 14. He was equaled by San Diego TE Antonio Gates Week 15 vs. Denver.
  • Had 9 catches for 105 yards and 1 TD Week 9 vs. Denver.
  • Had 9 catches for 149-yards and 3 TD’s vs. Chicago Week 8.
  • Had 6 catches for 100-yards and 1 TD vs. Cincinnati Week 5.

Julian Edelman notes:

  • Will play in his 10th career playoff game. This is his 2nd Super Bowl.
  • Had 9 catches for 98 yards and 3 punt returns for 71 yards for 169 total yards vs. Indianapolis in the AFC Championship Game.
  • Had 8 catches for 74 yards and threw his 1st NFL TD pass vs. Baltimore in AFC Division Game.
  • Led team in receiving with 92 catches and is 2nd with 972 receiving yards.
  • In franchise history he is 1st in punt return average (12.2), 3rd in punt return yardage (1,616) and 4th in total returns (132).
  • He is 5th all-time in the NFL in punt return average for players with at least 75 returns and is second among active players trailing only Devin Hester (12.3).
  • Is third in NFL in catches last two seasons with 197.
  • Had 8 catches for 141 yards an 1 TD Week 14 at San Diego it was his 5th career 100-yard game.
  • Had career long 69-yard TD catch at San Diego in Week 14.
  • Now has 5 career games with 10 or more catches after an 11-catch game Week 12 vs. Detroit (11 catches, 89 yards).
  • Had 9 catches for 89 yards and 1 TD and an 84-yard punt return for a TD Week 9 vs. Denver for 173 total yards.
  • Punt return TD vs. Denver Week 9 was his 13th punt return of 30+ yards (2nd in franchise history) and his 4th for a TD (new team record).
  • Had 156 total yards Week 2 at Minnesota (81 receiving, 9 rushing and 66 on punt returns).

Jonas Gray notes:

  • This will be his 2nd career playoff game he was held out vs. Baltimore in AFC Division Game with an ankle injury. This is his 1st Super Bowl.
  • Led team in rushing TD’s (5) and rushing yards (412).
  • In Week 11 at Indianapolis had 37 carries for 201 yards and 4 TD’s.
  • Gray set a franchise record with 4 TD’s Week 11 at Indianapolis. Breaking the record shared by Corey Dillon (vs. Detroit 2006), Curtis Martin (vs. Miami 1996), Mosi Tatupu (at LA Rams, 1993), Tony Collins (vs. NY Jets 1983) and Sam “Bam” Cunningham (at Buffalo, 1974) who all had 3 rushing TD’s in a regular season game.
  • Gray’s 201 yards rushing (Week 11 at Indianapolis) are third most in team history behind Jim Nance (208, 1966 vs. Oakland) and Tony Collins (212, 1983 vs. NY Jets).

Tim Wright notes:

  • This will be his 3rd career playoff game. This is his 1st Super Bowl.
  • Had 6 TD catches this season a new career high.
  • Had 5 catches for 36 yards including 2 for TD’s vs. Detroit Week 12.
  • Had 7 catches for 61-yards and a TD vs. Chicago Week 8.
  • Has TD catches in 4 of the last 6 games Week 5 vs. Cincinnati, Week 6 at Buffalo, Week 8 vs. Chicago and Week 11 at Indianapolis.

Brandon LaFell notes:

  • This will be his 4th career playoff game. This is his 1st Super Bowl.
  • Had 5 catches for 62 yards and 1 TD vs. Baltimore in AFC Division Game.
  • Had career high’s in receptions (74), yards (953) and TD’s (7).
  • Had 5 catches for 38 yards and 2 TD’s Week 13 at Green Bay. It was his second 2 TD game of the year and third of his career.
  • Had 9 catches for a team high 98 yards Week 12 vs. Detroit.
  • Had 11 catches for 124 yards (both career highs) and 1 TD vs. Chicago Week 8.
  • Had 4 catches for 97 yards and 2 TD’s at Buffalo Week 6 it was his 2nd two TD game of his career.

Shane Vereen notes:

  • Will play in his 7th career playoff game. This is his 2nd Super Bowl.
  • Set new career high for catches (52) receiving yards with 447 receiving yards this season.
  • Had 391 rushing yards for the season, second on the team.
  • Caught his 48th pass of the season to set a new career high vs. Miami Week 15.
  • Had 43 rushing yards on 11 carries and 5 catches for 71 yards and 2 TD’s for 114 total yards from scrimmage Week 7 vs. New York.
  • Had 90 rushing yards on 9 carries and 3 catches for 18 receiving yards for 108 yards from scrimmage Week 5 vs. Cincinnati.

LeGarrette Blount notes:

  • Will play in his 5th career NFL playoff game. This is his 1st Super Bowl.
  • Had second career postseason 100-yard rushing game vs. Colts with 148 yards and 3 TD’s on 30 carries.
  • The 148 rushing yards are second in franchise history behind his 166 rushing yards vs. Indianapolis in the 2013 AFC Division Game.
  • Has 7 postseason TD’s which is the team record.
  • Ran for 78 yards and 2 TD’s on 12 carries in his Patriots return vs. Detroit Week 12. The 2 TD game was the 4th of his career and 2nd as a Patriot.
  • Set franchise record for most rushing TD’s in a game with 4 vs. Indianapolis in 2013 AFC Division game.
  • Became first NFL running back to have over 125-yards rushing and 4 TD’s in a playoff game, 2013 AFC Division Game vs. Indianapolis.

Stephen Gostkowski notes:

  • Will play in his 17th career playoff game. This is his 3rd Super Bowl.
  • Became 11th kicker to reach 100 career postseason points vs. Baltimore in AFC Division Game.
  • Has 8th most postseason points in NFL history (113).
  • Holds franchise record for most points (1,179). He set the record previously held by Adam Vinatieri on a 35-yard 3rd quarter field goal Week 15 vs. Miami.
  • Set team record for field goal percentage (.946) by making 35 of 37 field goals.
  • Had a 15-point game vs. Chicago Week 8 with 3 field goals and 6 XPT’s.
  • Had a 19-point game vs. Cincinnati Week 5 with 5 field goals and 4 XPT’s. The five field goals were a new career high.
  • Has not missed an extra point since Week 17 2006 at Tennessee in his rookie season.
  • Has led the NFL in points the last three seasons (2012-14).
  • Led NFL in made field goals (35).

Vince Wilfork notes:

  • Missed the 2013 post season with an injury. This will be his 21st career playoff game. This is his 4th Super Bowl.
  • Has played third most playoff games in team history behind Tedy Bruschi (22) and Tom Brady (28).
  • Had 4 tackles (2 solo) vs. Baltimore in AFC Division Game.
  • Had 9 tackles (4 solo) and blocked a field goal attempt Week 16 at NYJets.
  • Was in on 6 tackles (2 solo) Week 6 at Buffalo.
  • Had his 3rd career INT vs. Oakland Week 3. He is the first Patriots lineman to have 3 career INT’s.
  • Has 7 fumbles recoveries since 2010 the second most in the NFL in that span behind teammate Rob Ninkovich.

Darrelle Revis notes:

  • Will play in his 9th career playoff game. This is his 1st Super Bowl.
  • Had his first Patriots postseason INT vs. Indianapolis in AFC Championship Game.
  • Led team with 14 passes defensed.
  • Had 4 passes defensed Week 12 vs. Detroit.
  • Got his 2nd INT of the year at the end of half Week 8 vs. Chicago.
  • Had his first forced fumble of the year Week 5 vs. Cincinnati.
  • In Patriots debut Week 1 at Miami had 1 tackles, 2 passes defensed and recovered a fumble.
  • Had his first Patriots INT Week 2 at Minnesota against Matt Cassel. Also had 3 tackles and 1 pass defensed.

Rob Ninkovich notes:

  • Will play in his 11th playoff game. This is his 2nd Super Bowl.
  • Had 6 tackles (2 solo) and 1 QB hit vs. Baltimore in AFC Division Game.
  • Leads team with 8 sacks and has 56 tackles (45 solo) for 5th on the team.
  • Week 15 vs. Miami recorded his 8th sack of the season for the third year in a row. He’s first Patriots player do that since Hall of Famer Andre Tippett did it 1985-87.
  • Had 3 tackles (1 solo), 1 INT and 1 pass defensed vs. Denver Week 9.
  • Had his 13th career fumble recovery Week 8 vs. Chicago. The 13-fumble recoveries are the most in the NFL since 2010.
  • The TD return was the second of his career. He had an INT return for TD in 2011 Week 9 at NY Jets.
  • Week 6 at Buffalo had 6 tackles (4 solo) and 3 sacks. It was his first career 3-sack day.
  • Week 2 at Minnesota had 3 tackles, 1 sack, 1 tackle for loss and 2 QB hits.

Dont’a Hightower notes:

  • Will play in his 7th career playoff game. This is his 1st Super Bowl.
  • Had 8 tackles (4 solo) and 2 tackles for loss vs. Baltimore in AFC Division Game.
  • Second on team in tackles with 92 (69 solo) and tied for second with 6 sacks.
  • Had 9 tackles (3 solo), 1 sack, 1 tackle for loss and 1 QB hit Week 16 at NYJets.
  • Had 10 tackles (4 solo), 1 sack, 3 tackles for loss and 1 QB hit Week 13 at Green Bay.
  • Had 10 tackles (4 solo) vs. Chicago Week 8.
  • Returned after a 2 week absence and had 13 tackles (9 solo), 1 sack, 1 tackle for loss and 1 QB hit Week 7 vs. the Jets.
  • Missed 3 games this season due to injuries: Week 5 vs. Cincinnati, Week 6 at Buffalo and Week 14 at San Diego and a 4th for rest Week 17 vs. Buffalo.
  • His 5 sacks is a new career high.
  • Along with Chandler Jones he led team with 8 tackles and 2 sacks Week 2 at Minnesota. He also had 2 tackles for loss, 2 QB hits and 1 pass defensed.
  • Had his first career 2-sack game Week 2 at Minnesota.

Chandler Jones notes:

  • Will play in his 7th playoff game. This is his 1st Super Bowl.
  • His older brother Arthur plays for the Colts.
  • Had 4 tackles (3 solo) and 2 QB hits vs. Baltimore in AFC Division Game.
  • Recovered a fumble in the end zone for a TD Week 16 – 2013 at Baltimore.
  • Second on team with 6 sacks.
  • Returned Week 15 vs. Miami from a hip injury suffered Week 7 vs. NY Jets. He had 7 tackles (4 solo), 1.5 sacks, 2 QB hits and 1 forced fumble.
  • Scored his 2nd NFL TD Week 2 at Minnesota when he blocked a field goal attempt and returned it 58-yards. His first NFL TD was Week 16, 2013 at Baltimore on a fumble recovery. It was his second blocked field goal attempt (2013 Week 8 vs. Miami).
  • Had the 5th blocked field goal returned for a TD in Patriots history Week 2 at Minnesota, first since 2010 when Patrick Chung returned one at Miami.
  • Now has 5 career 2-sack games with a pair at Minnesota in Week 2.
  • Along with Dont’a Hightower he led team with 8 tackles and 2 sacks Week 2 at Minnesota. He also had 3 tackles for loss, 3 QB hits, the blocked field goal attempt and return for TD.

Jamie Collins notes:

  • Will play in his 5th career playoff game. This is his 1st Super Bowl.
  • Had his 2nd career postseason INT in AFC Championship Game vs. Indianapolis.
  • Led team with 11 tackles (8 solo) also had 1 QB hit and 2 passes defensed vs. Baltimore in the AFC Division Game.
  • Leads team with 109 tackles (74 solo), forced fumbles (4), fumble recoveries (2) and is tied in INT’s (2). Also had 4 passes defensed.
  • Had 5 tackles (1 solo),a sack, a QB hit, a forced fumble and fumble recovery Week 17 vs. Buffalo.
  • Had 11 tackles (6 solo), 1 tackle for loss, 1 INT and 1 pass defensed Week 16 at NYJets.
  • Had his first career 2-sack game Week 14 at San Diego and led team with 9 tackles (8 solo). Also had 3 tackles for loss and 2 QB hits.
  • Led team in tackles Week 8 vs. Chicago with 11 (6 solo), Week 9 vs. Denver with 11 (10 solo), Week 11 at Indianapolis with 8 (5 solo) and Week 13 at Green Bay with 13 (7 solo).
  • Had 13 tackles (7 solo), 1 sack and his 3rd forced fumble of the season at Green Bay Week 13.
  • Had two tackles for loss and forced his second fumble of the year Week 11 at Indianapolis.
  • Had 13 tackles (7 solo) Week 7 vs. NY Jets.
  • Had 4 tackles (2 solo) and an INT Week 6 at Buffalo. It was his first NFL INT.

Kyle Arrington notes:

  • Will play in his 12th career playoff game. This is his 2nd Super Bowl.
  • Had 6 tackles (4 solo) vs. Baltimore in AFC Division Game.
  • Was inactive Week 16 at NYJets with a hamstring injury.
  • Had his second career blocked field goal return for a TD Week 15 vs. Miami.
  • Had his 4th career TD (2 on blocked FGA, 2 on INT’s) Week 15 vs. Miami.
  • Has a sack, 4 passes defensed and 2 forced fumbles this season.

General Team news:

Roster moves/transactions this week:

Patriots team captains for 2014:

  • QB Tom Brady
  • G/C Dan Connolly
  • WR Matthew Slater (special teams)
  • DT Vince Wilfork
  • LB Jerod Mayo (IR)
  • S Devin McCourty (replaces Mayo)

Former Seahawks on the Patriots:

Players with New England roots:

  • none

Players with Washington roots:

  • none

Players from New England based colleges and universities:

  • RB James Develin – Brown

Players from Washington based colleges and universities:

  • none

The Patriots have 6 retired numbers:

Seahawks Team Notes

Small team logo

Here is the Seahawks roster, depth chart and injury report for the game.

2014 Seahawks Schedule/Results

Franchise notes:

  • Seattle’s all-time record is 306-307-0. They have won one Super Bowl (XLVIII) in two appearances. Overall they are 14-12 in the post season.
  • Their last post season appearance prior to this season was in 2013. That season they beat the New Orleans Saints 23-15 in the NFC Division Game at home, the San Francisco 49ers 23-17 at home in the NFC Championship Game and the Denver Broncos 43-8 in Super Bowl XLVIII.
  • Seattle is the only team in the Super Bowl era to switch conferences twice. Played first year in NFC West (1976) then were moved to AFC West (1977-2001) then when realignment took place they moved back to the NFC West (2002-present).
  • Since realignment in 2002 they have the second best home record in the NFC at 73-31.
  • Since 2003 have sold out 105 consecutive home games.

In the Playoffs:

  • They are 2-0 in the 2014 playoffs having beaten Carolina 31-17 in the NFC Division Game and Green Bay 28-22 (OT) in the NFC Championship Game.
  • They are the 12th team to make it back to the Super Bowl after winning the previous season the other 11 teams went 8-3 in the effort to repeat.
  • Only Dallas (1977-78), Washington (1982-83) and Green Bay (1996-97) have failed to repeat.
  • Trying to be first repeat champion since the 2003-04 New England Patriots.
  • Second year in a row they have made the Super Bowl as the #1 seed in the NFC.
  • Third time in franchise history they were the #1 seed (2005, 2013, 2014) and they made the Super Bowl all three times.
  • Have won their division nine times in team history. They won the AFC West twice (1988, 1999) and the NFC West seven times (2004-07, 2010, 2013-14).
  • They are the only NFL team to have played in the NFC and AFC Conference Championship games.
  • First post merger expansion team to reach multiple or back-to-back Super Bowls.
  • The Seahawks have made the playoffs in 14 of their 39 seasons.
  • Have won their last 9 home postseason games dating back to 2005.
  • Had third largest postseason comeback to win after trailing 16-0 at half time in the NFC Championship Game.
  • Seattle is 1-1 in Super Bowl Games:
Date Super Bowl Location Opponent W/L Score
2/2/2014 XLVIII Meadowlands NJ Denver W 43-8
2/5/2005 XL Detroit MI Pittsburgh L 21-10
  • Seattle has 3 players with no playoff experience.
  • The Seahawks are returning 33 players who played in last years Super Bowl.
  • P Jon Ryan has the most playoff experience with 11 games.

Paul Allen Era (1997-present):

  • He is the co-founder of Microsoft along with Bill Gates.
  • He is listed as the 55th richest person in the world with his fortune estimated at $17.1 Billion.
  • Purchased the Seahawks in 1997 to save them from being moved to Southern California.
  • Under his ownership the team has flourished winning three NFC Championships and one Super Bowl.
  • In addition to the Seahawks, Allen owns the NBA’s Portland Trail Blazers (since 1988) and is part owner of the Seattle Sounders of the MLS.
  • He is also the founder of the Allen Institute for Brain Science, the Allen Institute for Artificial Intelligence, and Stratolaunch Systems as well as chairman of Vulcan Inc.
  • He invests heavily in science, aerospace, medical causes, the arts, museums and universities.
  • He owns 33.5% of Ticketmaster. He previously owned 80% but sold 47.5% to Home Shopping Network for $209 Million in HSN stock.

In the Pete Carroll era (2010-present):

  • Won NFC West three times in his five seasons.
  • Teams have advanced to the divisional round 4 times since 2010.
  • They have won the NFC Championship twice and Super Bowl once under Carroll.
  • Seahawks are 33-6 in games under Carroll when they win the turnover battle.
  • Since 2011 they are PLUS 51 in turnover differential, 3rd best in NFL.
  • Since 2010 Seattle has 15 blocked kicks (2nd in NFL), 11 touchdowns or safeties on special teams (1st) and 14 takeaways on punts and KOR (1st).

Against the Patriots:

Past playoff battles:

  • None
  • They are 8-8 vs. New England all-time they are 3-4 at home and 5-4 on the road.
  • Seattle had a 4-2 record in 2014 against common opponents including playoffs (Green Bay W; San Diego L; Denver W; Oakland W; Kansas City L; Green Bay – playoffs W).

In 2014:

  • Seattle was 6-3 vs. teams with winning records.
  • Ended season with franchise best 6-game win streak.
  • Did not allow a fourth quarter point in the last 6 games of the regular season.
  • Led NFL for third season with fewest points allowed and for the second season fewest yards per game allowed.
  • Lead NFL with 74 passes of 16 or more yards and 61 rushes of 12 or more yards.
  • Set Century Link Field attendance record vs. Green Bay in the NFC Championship Game (68,538).
  • Had third fewest giveaways in NFL (14) only New England (13) and Green Bay (13) were better.
  • Former Patriots S Lawyer Milloy was one of the 12th man flag raisers this season for Seattle. He played his final two seasons with the Seahawks (2009-10).
  • Traveled the 2nd most miles in NFL in 2014 (26,028).
  • Seattle had 130 penalties and they were penalized 1,009 yards.
  • Seattle was PLUS 10 in turnover differential good for 4th in the NFL. They have 13 INT’s and have recovered 11 fumbles while they have thrown 7 INT’s and lost 7 fumbles.
  • The Seahawks were 10th in points scored averaging 14.6 points per game and 1st in fewest points allowed with 15.9 points per game.

Seahawks Staff Notes

Pete Carroll notes:

  • Pete Carroll is in his 5th year as head coach of the Seahawks and his 9th overall as a NFL head coach. He has an overall record of 83-61 in the regular season, he is 50-30 with Seattle, was 27-21 in 3 seasons with New England and 6-10 in one season with the New York Jets. Carroll is 8-4 in the post season (7-2 with Seattle, 1-2 with New England) for a total NFL record of 91-65.
  • He has won one Super Bowl (XLVIII).
  • Carroll is 2-1 vs. New England in his career he is 1-0 with Seattle and 1-1 with the New York Jets.
  • Carroll as served as the head coach of the University of Southern California (2001-09) and won two National Championships (2003, 2004) one of which was vacated for NCAA violations (2004). His overall USC record was 97-20, which includes the 15 vacated games in 2004 and 2005 (14-1).
  • Carroll also served as defensive coordinator for San Francisco (1995-96) and the NY Jets (1990-93) and as defensive backs coach for Minnesota (1985-89) and Buffalo (1984).

Other Staff/Personnel notes:

  • Darrell Bevell is in his 4th season as the Seahawks offensive coordinator (2011-present) he was previously the offensive coordinator for Minnesota (2006-10). Was the wide receivers coach at UConn in 1998-99.
  • Dan Quinn is the defensive coordinator for Seattle since 2013. He was previously the defensive coordinator/defensive line coach at the University of Florida (2011-12) and defensive line coach for Seattle (2009-10), NY Jets (2007-08), Miami (2005-06) and San Francisco (2003-04). It is expected that he will be named head coach of the Atlanta Falcons after the Super Bowl.
  • Quarterbacks coach Carl Smith was with Carroll as the Patriots assistant head coach/quarterbacks coach in 1997 and tight ends coach in 1998-99.

Seahawks Possible Starters

Offense:

  • LT: Okung
  • LG: Carpenter
  • C: Unger
  • RG: Sweezy
  • RT: Bailey
  • TE: Willson
  • WR: Baldwin
  • WR: Kearse
  • WR: Lockette
  • QB: Wilson
  • RB: Lynch

Defense:

  • DE: Bennett
  • DT: McDaniel
  • DT: Williams
  • DE: Avril
  • LB: Irvin
  • LB: Wagner
  • LB: Wright
  • LCB: Sherman
  • RCB: Maxwell
  • S: Chancellor
  • S: Thomas

Seahawks Players Notes

Russell Wilson notes:

  • Is 36-12 in his 3rd NFL season he is 6-1 in the playoffs for an overall record of 42-13. Has been selected to the two Pro Bowls.
  • Seattle drafted Wilson in the 3rd round (75th overall) of the 2012 NFL Draft out of Wisconsin. He previously played at North Carolina State where he also played baseball.
  • The Baltimore Orioles selected him in the 41st round (1,222nd overall) in the 2007 MLB draft but chose college. He was drafted again by the Colorado Rockies in the 4th round (140th overall) in the 2010 MLB draft and actually played two seasons of minor league baseball. In 2013 his baseball rights were acquired by the Texas Rangers in the Rule 5 draft.
  • He is 1-0 vs. New England in his career.
  • In 2012 his only game vs. the Patriots he was 16 of 27 for 293 yards, 3 TD’s and 0 INT’s.
  • This is his 8th postseason game, 2nd Super Bowl.
  • Threw just the 5th postseason OT TD.
  • First QB to start Super Bowl in 2 of his first 3 seasons.
  • Youngest QB to start two Super Bowls.
  • In Super Bowl XLVIII he was 18 of 25 (72%) for 206 yards, 2 TD’s and 0 INT’s.
  • Had 172 passing yards and 107 rushing yards vs. NYGiants Week 10.
  • Had three 100-yard rushing games in 2014. Week 5 at Washington (122 yards), Week 10 vs. NY Giants (107 yards) and Week 7 at St. Louis (106 yards).
  • Had 849 rushing yards in 2014 the 5th most all-time for a quarterback.
  • First QB to ever have 300 passing yards and 100 rushing yards in same game (Week 7 at St. Louis).
  • Has most regular season (36) and overall wins (42) by a QB after his first three seasons.
  • Has 15 career 4th quarter comebacks and 9 game winning drives.

Marshawn Lynch notes:

  • This is his 9th playoff game and 2nd Super Bowl.
  • Set franchise postseason record with 157 rushing yards vs. Green Bay in NFC Championship.
  • In 2012 vs. New England had 15 carries for 41 yards and 1 catch for 11 yards.
  • Had career high 4 rushing TD’s Week 10 vs. NY Giants to go along with 140 rushing yards.
  • Had career high 17 TD’s in 2014 (13 rushing, 4 receiving).
  • Has 24 games with 100 yard rushing since 2011 most in NFL in that span.
  • Only player since 2011 with four 1,000 yard rushing and 10 rushing TD seasons.
  • Leads NFL with 56 TD’s since 2011.
  • Was 4th leading rusher in NFL in 2014 (1,306 yards), had 5th most yards from scrimmage (1,673), 5th in first downs (81) and 9th in 3rd and one conversion pct (92.3% 12 of 13).
  • Selected to 5th Pro Bowl and as a second team All-Pro.

Jermaine Kearse notes:

  • This is his 8th playoff game and 2nd Super Bowl.
  • Set career high with 129 receiving yards vs. Carolina in NFC Division Game.
  • Second on team with 38 catches and 537 receiving yards.
  • Set franchise postseason record with 63-yard TD reception vs. Carolina in NFC Division Game.
  • Has game winning TD catch in the last two NFC Championship Games.

Doug Baldwin notes:

  • This is his 8th playoff game and 2nd Super Bowl.
  • Led team in catches (66) and receiving yards (825).
  • Was second on team in receiving TD’s (3)
  • Had 6 punt returns for 42 yards and 5 KOR for 81 yards.

Kam Chancellor notes:

  • This is his 10th playoff game and 2nd Super Bowl.
  • Has an INT in 3 of the last 4 postseason games.
  • Set a Seahawks postseason record with a 90-yard INT return for a TD vs. Carolina in the NFC Division Game. It’s tied for 5th longest postseason INT return in NFL history.
  • Had 1 regular season INT, 6 passes defensed and 1 forced fumble.
  • Selected to 3rd Pro Bowl and as a second team All-Pro.
  • 4th on team in tackles with 76 (58 solo).

Richard Sherman notes:

  • This is his 8th playoff game and 2nd Super Bowl.
  • Led team with 4 INT’s all came in the last 9 games of the year.
  • Had 8 passes defensed, 1 forced fumble and 57 tackles (45 solo).
  • Since 2011 has most INT’s in the NFL (24) and is 2nd in passes defensed (68).
  • Tied for 2nd most INT’s in first four NFL seasons (24) with former Seahawk Kenny Easley.
  • Was a wide receiver in college.
  • Selected to 2nd Pro Bowl and as a first team All-Pro.

Bobby Wagner notes:

  • This is his 8th playoff game and 2nd Super Bowl.
  • Has 3 consecutive 100-tackle seasons.
  • Selected to 1st Pro Bowl and as a first team All-Pro.
  • Had 104 tackles (67 solo) to rank 2nd on the team.
  • Had 2 sacks in 2014.

K.J. Wright notes:

  • This is his 7th playoff game and 2nd Super Bowl.
  • Led team with 107 tackles (74 solo).
  • Also had 2 sacks, 2 QB hits, 4 passes defensed, 3 forced fumbles and 1 fumble recovery.
  • Was drafted by Seattle with the pick received from New England in the Deion Branch trade.

Cliff Avril notes:

  • This is his 7th playoff game and 2nd Super Bowl.
  • Has 13 sacks and 6 forced fumbles in two seasons in Seattle.
  • Is 19th in NFL with 42 sacks since 2010.
  • Is 3rd in NFL with 22 forced fumbles since 2008.
  • Had 5 sacks, 20 QB hits, 1 pass defensed, 1 forced fumble and 1 fumble recovery in 2014.

General Team notes:

Seahawks team captains for 2014 are:

Players who attended New England based universities or colleges:

Players with New England roots:

  • K Steven Hauschka – Needham MA
  • LB Kevin Pierre-Louis (IR) – Norwalk CT

Former Patriots with the Seahawks:

The Seahawks have 4 retired numbers:

Thanks for reading all this year and have a great off season. – Steve and Ian.