I would’ve felt more that way in 2011 after they beat a Ravens team that was better than this year’s version. Seattle is the best team the Patriots have played all season and pose a number of problems that have been weaknesses for New England this year.
Do they also have some areas that play into the Patriots strengths? Sure. And at least on paper, they don’t have the pass rush depth that the Giants had to take advantage of the Patriots’ line.
I think there’s something to be said for the Giants getting a look at the Patriots in both regular seasons before their Super Bowl matchups, playing them tough both times. Seattle doesn’t have that kind of familiarity, and for a team that isn’t big on disguise on defense, that could hurt them when seeing the pace and variation that New England can run their offense with.
The Pats will need their best game of the season to win this one, just like Seattle will need their best. I expect both teams to play clean games, with no more than one turnover each.
