I’ve heard numerous people break down the Super Bowl and talk about who and what to watch, but I think there are two guys that will play a huge role and no one has really mentioned them.
But, I’m surprised because the Patriots have won their last three Super Bowls by a field goal. That’s right, I’m talking about the two kickers.
No one has really seen Stephen Gostkowski kick because the Patriots score so many touchdowns. But let me tell you something, he’s no Adam Vinatieri. His numbers under 40 yards are fine, but he’s 3-5 over that and his longest this year has been from 45. If the game is close late, the Patriots will have a relatively untested kicker.
Conversely, Giants kicker Lawrence Tynes has been tested. And was miserable. And I don’t care that he eventually made the game-winner against Green Bay, because he blew the two right before it. To say he is fortunate to have had a third crack at it is an understatement. Kansas City didn’t watch Tynes leave town because he was phenomenal. Tynes is a below-average kicker and could be a problem in the Super Bowl.
When the Pats and Giants met to close out the regular season, the final score was 38-35. A field goal could be the difference again, and if it is, Gostkowski or Tynes may have to change zip codes if they don’t answer the call.
