The NBA Life with Matt Bonner: The Super Bowl Edition

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Sports reporter, Kevin Gray joined Chris Ryan and Matt for this week’s edition of the show. Matt and Chris are looking forward to the NBA All Star Game. They discussed how the NHL All Star and NFL Pro Bowl games were major disappointments compared to the Baseball and NBA All Star Games.

Despite their best intentions to not get into discussing “deflategate,” the guys could not avoid weighing in on the controversy. The NFL’s handling of its investigation was unfair to the Patriots. The Super Bowl is always a media circus, but this year it is even worse because of the implication that the Patriots may have cheated. The fact that the internet has been flooded with pictures of NFL Commissioner Goodell socializing with Patriots owner Kraft has also cast a cloud of doubt over the seriousness of the league’s investigation.

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The show included defensive comments by Coach Bill Belichik and quarterback, Tom Brady. Both men denied any wrong doing. Defensive lineman, Vince Wilfork, expressed his confidence in Tom Brady’s ability to handle any type of pressure situation. Devin McCourty, a standout defensive back, feels that the team has improved defensively due to the team’s toughness, hard work, and trust of each other. Devin believes that the team is very hungry and the controversy will not be a distraction. He also has complete trust that Coach Belichik will have them prepared. Julian Edelman, the star receiver and special teams player, also downplayed the effects of the controversy and discussed how he is focused on his responsibilities. Preparation and attention to detail have been the hallmark of the Patriots during the Belichik era. Nine year veteran, defensive end, Rob Ninkovich, discussed the problems that the Seattle Seahawks offense might present to the Pats. Russell Wilson, the Seattle quarterback, has the ability to run and throw. Marshawn Lynch is one of the best running backs in the league. Containing the Seattle running game will be a key factor in the Patriot’s game plan. Ninkovich also feels that the different looks and personnel moves which the Patriots employ on defense makes it difficult for opposing teams to prepare. Wide receiver, Brandon LaFell, weighed in on the Seattle defensive secondary. He stated that Seahawks are extremely talented and talkative. However, LaFell is confident in the abilities of the Patriot receiving corps. Sebastian Vollmer, an offensive lineman, discussed how the line has improved its play during the course of the season through hard work. Lastly, running back, Shane Vereen, discussed how the team’s flexibility and dedication to executing their individual game plans is a big part of their success.

In the last segment, the trio of Kevin, Chris, and Matt discussed how Belichik might use the controversy to motivate the team. All three predicted a Patriot victory.