There’s a lot to focus on over the next few days as Super Bowl LIII looms just around the corner. From the perspective of a reporter who has covered eight Super Bowls, here are five things worth keeping an eye on when it comes to the Patriots over the next few days.
1. Personnel/practice wrinkles:
In previous years, when the Patriots have stumbled in the Super Bowl, one of the things that’s derailed them is a poor week of practice. (Almost to a man, the 2007 Patriots said their week of practice in the days before Super Bowl XLII was one of their worst of the year.) It’s not like players are going to come out and tell you practice was sloppy over the course of the week — we’ll have to rely on pool reports when it comes to how sharp things are on the practice field. But really, in the end, that’s something we’ll have to glean for ourselves in the media sessions in the days leading up to Sunday. Body language and tone over the course of the week will shed some light on how things are proceeding for the Patriots in this department in the days leading up to the game.
2. Injuries/health:
New England is as healthy as its been all year heading into the Super Bowl — the Patriots had no one on the injury report this week, which is remarkable at this point on the calendar. But as we saw in the days leading to last year’s AFC title game, it only takes one mistake to throw a monkey wrench into things. (In the context of this conversation, it’s also worth recalling how Malcolm Butler was slowed by illness in the days leading up to and following the AFC championship.) We’ll be keeping an eye out for anything unexpected when it comes to the daily injury report.
3. Potential distractions:
It sounds like Brian Flores-to-Miami is pretty much a done deal. (Although last year proved there’s no such thing as a done deal until the introductory press conference.) If that’s the case, what sort of impact could that have on the defense heading into this game? For what it's worth, it certainly appears Flores has done well to keep his focus in the two postseason games so far, but he’ll be in the spotlight when things get underway in Atlanta. It also sounds like wide receivers coach Chad O’Shea will be leaving to become Miami’s offensive coordinator. Is there potential for that to be a distraction over the course of the week? From my perspective, I doubt it — the two coaches have always been professionals. But both will certainly be in demand.
4. Intangibles:
This is sort of an all-encompassing category that can include pregame trash talk, mood, or just the general tone of things over the next few days. Is anyone acting out of the ordinary? Are the rookies and other Super Bowl newcomers handling their business? Will anyone get baited into pregame trash talk? It’s not like there’s a history with the Rams — one thing that’s distinguished these two teams over the last week is the fact they’ve shown a tremendous amount of respect for each other. Will that change when everyone is together in Atlanta? We shall see.
5. Enjoying the moment:
Finally, while no one is dismissing the importance or gravity of the game, I also want to see who is enjoying themselves and how they are reacting to the biggest professional week of their lives. My mind instantly goes to someone like the 22-year-old Keion Crossen, a seventh-round pick out of tiny Western Carolina who has an amazing backstory. What will it be like for him on the big stage? Obi Melifonwu is a New England kid who grew up rooting for the Patriots. Can you even begin to imagine what this week will be like for him? There’s Jason McCourty, a true professional who toiled on some bad teams before finally getting to share an incredible moment with his brother Devin. And finally, the coach and quarterback. In year’s past, both have confessed to taking some time to savor the accomplishment of reaching another Super Bowl. Poised on the cusp of a sixth ring together, what will the range of emotions be from Bill Belichick and Tom Brady over the course of the coming week, especially after such a wild year?