Tomlinson: Patriots Need To Run Well To Win Super Bowl XLIX
BOSTON (CBS) - Former San Diego Chargers running back and NFL Network analyst LaDainian Tomlinson joined 98.5 The Sports Hub's Andy Gresh and Scott Zolak on Radio Row in Phoenix Friday afternoon to discuss his keys to the game for Super Bowl XLIX between the Patriots and Seahawks.
When Tomlinson was with the San Diego Chargers from 2001-2009, he was one of the most dominant running backs in the league. So it's no surprise to hear from a former running back how crucial the run game will be for the Patriots to win.
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"[Patriots] gotta run at them. Get LeGarrette Blount and blow them up in there in the middle. You can't make hay on the outside with Seattle. I think it has to be on the interior," Tomlinson told Gresh & Zo. "Blount has really good vision and has great speed. A big man that can run like that is dangerous."
The Seahawks go into Super Bowl XLIX with one of the most feared defenses that has ever played in the NFL. Analyzing the Patriots offense further, Tomlinson brought up tight end Rob Gronkowski as an important element for the Patriots offense to succeed on Sunday.
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"When free safety Kam Chancellor matches up with Rob Gronkowski, Gronkowski is going to have to win when on third down and in the end zone. To me, that is going to be critical," said Tomlinson.
Tomlinson has been known to evade a tackler or two in his day, so when the topic of Marshawn Lynch was brought up, "L.T." had nothing but praise for Beast Mode.
"The reason why Marshawn Lynch breaks tackles is because when he runs, he sways side-to-side like a pendulum. This makes it hard for defenders to take a big shot at him," said LT. "It tells you everything that the Patriots are thinking about Lynch."
Listen below for full discussion:
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