Bewerbungen » The previous time the Rams played in a Super

Bowl Qadree Ollison Jersey , the opponent was New England. It didn’t work out so well for the then-St. Louis team.The Patriots, of course, have made a habit of being in the NFL championship game — this is their eighth since that 2002 victory over the Greatest Show On Turf.Here’s how they’ll match up in Atlanta:WHEN NEW ENGLAND HAS THE BALLThanks to a dominating line led by LT Trent Brown (77), C David Andrews (60) and RG Shaq Mason (69), Tom Brady (12) barely was touched and never was sacked by Kansas City in the AFC title game. And the Chiefs led the league in sacks. If that group can be just as stout against All-Pro DT Aaron Donald, the only unanimous choice for the squad, Ndamukong Suh (93) and Michael Brockers (90), Brady could have another one of his MVP performances. However, the secondary he’ll face this time is far superior to what the Chiefs put on the field, particularly with cornerbacks Aqib Talib (21) and Marcus Peters (22) — and backup Nickell Robey-Coleman (23), he of the now-infamous helmet-hit pass interference non-call against the Saints.Those two must be aggressive at the line of scrimmage against WRs Julian Edelman (11) and Chris Hogan (15), who were so open on some routes against Kansas City it looked like a passing drill.The other intriguing matchup here is TE Rob Gronkowski (87) against safeties Lamarcus Joyner (20) and John Johnson III (43), who are physical enough to deal with Gronk, but it’s a wearying and thankless task.And there’s this for LA to deal with: Rookie Sony Michel (26) has become a ground force with his power and instincts. Fellow RB James White (28) is one of the best receivers out of the backfield in the league, and third-stringer Rex Burkhead (34) scored twice, including the winning TD for the AFC crown.Rams defensive coordinator Wade Phillips will challenge Brady with his schemes, but LA must disrupt the QB’s timing and comfort zone. Brady’s O-line has to prevent that.WHEN LOS ANGELES HAS THE BALLMichel’s former teammate at Georgia, All-Pro RB Todd Gurley (30), has been battling knee issues. While late-season pickup C.J. Anderson (35) has been masterful, the Rams need a healthy and productive Gurley for the Super Bowl. At least he’s had extra time to heal.Gurley led the NFL with 21 TDs and ranked fourth with 1,831 yards from scrimmage. He’d be a handful as a receiver for Patriots LBs Dont’a Hightower (54) and Kyle Van Noy (53), who comes off a superb outing in Kansas City. So one of the DBs, perhaps safeties Devin McCourty (32) or Patrick Chung (23), could get some assignments.The Rams want to have balance on offense, and they certainly have the options in the passing game with Jared Goff (16) throwing to WRs Robert Woods (17), Brandin Cooks (12) and rapidly developing Josh Reynolds (83). Cooks will be eager for a big game after the Patriots dealt him to LA last offseason. He’ll likely see plenty of All-Pro CB Stephon Gilmore, who struggled a bit in KC.New England managed four sacks of Patrick Mahomes and the Rams can’t be that generous if they expect to carry off the Lombardi Trophy. Steady linemen LT Andrew Whitworth (77), LG Rodger Saffold (76) and RT Rob Havenstein (79) must hold their own against DE Trey Flowers (98), Van Noy and the guys on the interior for New England.Goff vs. Brady would seem a mismatch. But Goff and his team beat Drew Brees for the NFC title.SPECIAL TEAMSWhat more can Greg The Leg do? Well, LA placekicker Greg Zuerlein (4) could follow his clutch work in the Big Easy with a Super Bowl-winning boot.Rams P Johnny Hekker (6) converted a fake punt for a first down at New Orleans and has one of the most powerful legs in the league.The Rams aren’t exceptional on returns, but they aren’t inept, either. JoJo Natson (19) has handled most of the punt runbacks, while Blake Countess (24) is the kick returner.The Patriots are more likely to break something in the return game with Cordarrelle Patterson (84) on kickoffs. New England features the usually reliable Edelman on punts, although he did — or didn’t — fumble one against the Chiefs.Stephen Gostkowski (3) has made more pressure attempts than nearly any current NFL placekicker this side of record-setter Adam Vinatieri, and Ryan Allen (6) does a solid job punting.COACHINGSeeing how the Patriots dominated the Chiefs early on both sides of the ball Ed Oliver Jersey , OC Josh McDaniels and unofficial DC Brian Flores had a superb game plan. But KC began moving the ball almost at will in the second half, and the Rams are capable of the same. That makes for a key question: Can LA slow down the precision passing and powerful/slashing running of Michel?LA coach Sean McVay is the hot commodity on the pro football market. Every team looking for a new head coach has at least investigated people who’ve worked with McVay, who just turned 33. He’s innovative, aggressive and, in some ways, one of the guys, something New England’s Bill Belichick most definitely isn’t.INTANGIBLESThe Patriots are so experienced in this environment. Nothing that happens in Atlanta during Super Bowl week is likely to bother them. Same thing probably will apply when they get on the Mercedes-Benz Stadium field.Brady, 41, will be the oldest starting QB in Super Bowl history. A sixth title would tie the Patriots with the Steelers for most in the Super Bowl era.The Rams could energize the Los Angeles area about the NFL with a championship just three seasons into their return to Hollywood. They won the Super Bowl once, but representing St. Louis in the 2000 game. A thumbnail look at the players selected in the first round of the NFL draft Thursday night (x-denotes early entry).1. Arizona (3-13)x-Kyler Murray, QB, 5-10, 205, Oklahoma.Strengths: Athletic with a strong arm, nice touch and solid accuracy.Weaknesses: Kyler Murray is small. You might have heard.Fact: First player taken in the first rounds of both the NFL and MLB drafts. Follows former teammate Baker Mayfield as the No. 1 overall choice, making Oklahoma the first school since Southern California in 1968-69 to produce the top pick in back-to-back years.2. San Francisco (4-12)x-Nick Bosa, DE, 6-4, 266 pounds, Ohio State.Strengths: Quick off the edge and relentless, just like his brother, Chargers star Joey Bosa.Weaknesses: Maybe some durability concerns because last year’s season-ending injury cut short the one season in which Bosa would have gotten a large volume of snaps.Fact: He’s Ohio State’s highest draft pick since offensive tackle Orlando Pace went No. 1 to the St. Louis Rams in 1997.3. New York Jets (4-12)x-Quinnen Williams, DL, 6-6, 303, Alabama.Strengths: Nearly unblockable last season with a combination of quickness, power and strong handsWeaknesses: Could nitpick about his weight as he might be more comfortable playing in the 290s. That’s about it.Fact: One-year starter who made a case as the best player in college football in 2018 and now the highest-drafted Alabama defensive player since Cornelius Bennett in 1987.4. Oakland Raiders (4-12)Clelin Ferrell, DE, 6-4, 264, Clemson.Strengths: Solid in most areas and good at getting off blocks to finish plays.Weaknesses: Sort of the opposite of Rashan Gary; not quite the athlete but plenty of production.Fact: All-American last season with 21 sacks in his final two years.5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-11)x-Devin White, LB, 6-0, 237, LSU.Strengths: Covers lots of ground and crushes ball carriers when he arrives.Weaknesses: Can get out of position. More fast than instinctual.Fact: Butkus Award winner as nation’s best linebacker in 2018 led the SEC with 123 tackles.6. New York Giants (5-11)Daniel Jones Cody Ford Jersey , QB, 6-5, 231, Duke.Strengths: Combo of size and athleticism is top level.Weaknesses: Decision-making was often questionable and release needs to be sped up.Fact: Three years as a starter under coach David Cutcliffe, aka the guy who coached Peyton and Eli Manning in college.7. Jacksonville Jaguars (5-11)Josh Allen, DE, 6-5, 262, Kentucky.Strengths: Size, speed, athleticism are all ideal. Even some room to add a few pounds if necessary.Weaknesses: Some technique could use polishing, but not much to complain about.Fact: Won Bednarik Award and Nagurski Trophy as top defensive player in college football last season.8. Detroit Lions (6-10)x-T.J. Hockenson, TE, 6-5, 251, Iowa.Strengths: Best combination of athleticism, receiving skills and blocking in the class.Weaknesses: Needs to fill out and become a more reliable blocker to reach star status.Fact: John Mackey Award winner as nation’s best tight end last year.9. Buffalo Bills (6-10)x-Ed Oliver, DT, 6-2, 287, Houston.Strengths: Lateral quickness, burst and ability to finish plays like a linebacker.Weaknesses: Short and was allowed to roam and slant in college.Fact: Knee problem cut junior season short, but won Outland Trophy as nation’s top lineman as sophomore.10. Pittsburgh Steelers (9-6)x-Devin Bush, LB, 5-11, 234, Michigan.Strengths: Fast and reliable in pass coverage.Weaknesses: Undersized, with a frame that might be maxed out, unlike Devin White.Fact: Led Michigan in tackles the past two seasons.Cincinnati Bengals (6-10)11. Jonah Williams, OT, 6-4, 302, Alabama.Strengths: Sound technician and good athlete.Weaknesses: Shorter than ideal arms and relatively small frame for tackle could necessitate move to guard.Fact: Three-year starter who moved to left tackle as a sophomore and was an All-American as a junior.12. Green Bay Packers (6-9-1)x-Rashan Gary, DE, 6-4 Devin Singletary Jersey , 277, Michigan.Strengths: Top-flight athlete with good power, long arms and sturdy against the run.Weaknesses: Pass-rush production was spotty. Had 10½ sacks in three seasons, though was often used to tie up blockers.Fact: Consensus No. 1 overall recruit coming out of high school in 2016.13. Miami Dolphins (7-9)Christian Wilkins, DT, 6-3, 315, Clemson.Strengths: Team leader, with position versatility and good athleticism.Weaknesses: Length and point-of-attack strength are less-than-ideal.Fact: First Clemson scholarship football player to earn a degree in 2½ years.14. Atlanta Falcons (7-9)Chris Lindstrom, OG, 6-4, 308, Boston College.Strengths: Good bloodlines. Father Chris Lindstrom Sr. is in the BC Hall of Fame and played three years in the NFL. Uncle and brother also played at BC.Weaknesses: Needs to work on screen blocking.Fact: He joins a Falcons offensive line that needs help after giving up 108 quarterback hits and was 31st in runs for no gain or losses.15. Washington Redskins (7-9)x-Dwayne Haskins, QB, 6-3, 230, Ohio State.Strengths: Big guy with a big arm who commands his offense.Weaknesses: Heavy-footed and prone to fall back against pressure. Only 14 career starts.Fact: Led the nation with 4,831 yards passing and 50 touchdowns last season.16. Carolina Panthers (7-9)x-Brian Burns, DE, 6-5, 249, Florida State.Strengths: Super quick and agile.Weaknesses: Light, with thin frame. Could be more of a third-down pass rusher than every-down player.Fact: Seven forced fumbles and three blocked kicks in his three-year career.17. New York Giants (5-11)x-Dexter Lawrence, DT, 6-4, 342, Clemson.Strengths: Massive, but pretty light on his feet.Weaknesses: Limited pass-rush potential, could slow him in pass-happy NFL.Fact: Suspended for last season’s College Football Playoff for failing an NCAA test for performance-enhancing drugs. Has said he had no idea why he failed the test.18. Minnesota VikingsGarrett Bradbury, C, 6-3, 306, North Carolina State.Strengths: Strong, lean and instinctive.Weaknesses: Better in pass protection than drive blocking for the run.Fact: High school tight end who developed into All-America center.19. Tennessee Titans (9-7)x-Jeffery Simmons, DT Dawson Knox Jersey , 6-4, 301, Mississippi State.Strengths: Big, perfectly proportioned athlete who consistently produces.Weaknesses: Tore a ligament in his left knee in pre-draft workouts.Fact: Was involved in a fight with a woman, whom he punched several times, while still in high school. Pleaded no contest to simple assault charge.20. Denver Broncos (6-10)x-Noah Fant, TE, 6-4, 249, Iowa.Strengths: Speed and athleticism aplenty.Weaknesses: Might be more of a slot receiver, motion-type tight end.Fact: Fant was the hyped Iowa tight end going into last season, but Hockenson’s emergence probably held down some of his production. Fant had 39 catches for 519 yards and seven touchdowns.21. Green Bay Packers (6-9-1)Darnell Savage, S, 5-11, 198, Maryland.Strengths: Playmaking ability and athleticism.Weaknesses: Not ideal size for a safety and he needs to polish his open-field tackling.Fact: Ran a 4.36-second 40-yard dash at the scouting combine and moved up draft boards after that.22. Philadelphia Eagles (9-7)Andre Dillard, OT, 6-5, 315, Washington State.Strengths: Excellent athleticism and carries his weight comfortably.Weaknesses: Needs to show more power as a run blocker.Fact: Former two-star recruit who redshirted as a freshman and became a three-year starter at tackle.23. Houston Texas (11-5)Tytus Howard, OT, 6-5, 322, Alabama StateStrengths: Athletic and hard-working, he transitioned from playing quarterback in high school and gained 87 pounds and grew 2 inches in college.Weaknesses: Raw physically and needs to raise his offensive line play IQ.Fact: First Alabama State player to go in the first round.24. Oakland Raiders (4-12)x-Josh Jacobs, RB, 5-10, 220, Alabama.Strengths: Bursts through holes and knocks tacklers back. Complete back who can block and catch.Weaknesses: Will need to be better at avoiding contact at the next level.Fact: Thanks to Alabama’s wealth of talent, Jacobs left college with only 299 touches from scrimmage.25. Baltimore Ravens (10-6)x-Marquise Brown, WR, 5-9, 166, Oklahoma.Strengths: Explosive speed and elusiveness.Weaknesses: Skinny and short.Fact: Cousin of Antonio Brown is nicknamed “Hollywood” for his Florida hometown and star qualities.26. Washington Redskins (7-9)Montez Sweat, DE Brian Burns Jersey , 6-6, 260, Mississippi State.Strengths: Among freaky athletes, Sweat might be the freakiest with his 4.4 speed.Weaknesses: A little top heavy means he needs to upgrade against the run.Fact: Two-time first-team all-Southeastern Conference and second-team All-American last season.27. Oakland Raiders (4-12)Johnathan Abram, S, 5-11, 205, Mississippi State.Strengths: Tough against the run.Weaknesses: Could be limited to playing close to the line of scrimmage.Fact: Mississippi high school product who signed with Georgia originally, but transferred to the Bulldogs after a stop in junior college.28. Los Angeles Chargers (12-4)Jerry Tillery, DT, 6-6, 295, Notre Dame.Strengths: Long, quick and agile pass rusher.Weaknesses: Plays tall and inconsistent against the run.Fact: Was suspended for bowl game as a freshman and was caught on camera kicking a USC player as a sophomore, but seemed to mature as an upperclassman.29. Seattle Seahawks (10-6)L.J. Collier, DE, 6-2, 283, TCUStrengths: Excellent size and aggressiveness.Weaknesses: Lacks explosiveness.Fact: Did not get much recruiting attention coming out of high school and didn’t start until his senior season at TCU.30. New York Giants (5-11)Deandre Baker, 5-11, 193, Georgia.Strengths: Steady, tough and disruptive.Weaknesses: On the small side and left some potential turnovers on the field.Fact: Jim Thorpe Award winner as nation’s best defensive back last year.31. Atlanta Falcons (7-9)Kaleb Mcgary, OT, 6-7, 317, WashingtonStrengths: Remarkable and agility and size.Weaknesses: He could struggle against edge rushers because of mediocre footwork.Fact: He and his family have battled illnesses, his family lost its farm when he was in high school and a fire burned down their home, according to his draft profile on NFL.com.32. New England Patriots (11-5)x-N’Keal Harry, WR, 6-2, 228, Arizona StateStrengths: Physical route runner, great hands.Weaknesses: Change of direction.Fact: Born on the Caribbean island of Saint Vincent and moved to Arizona with his grandmother.