HOUSTON (AP) — Projected starters and key players for the Super Bowl at Houston
ATLANTA FALCON
OFFENS
Matt Ryan, QB (2), 6-4, 217, 9th season, Boston Colleg

Had best season, making All-Pro, leading NFL in passer rating (117.1), with 38 TDs ... First-rounder in 2008, third overall pick ... Has thrown for seven touchdowns and run for one in playoffs ... Popular in New England because of college career, won't be so popular there if he beats Patriots
Devonta Freeman, RB (24), 5-8, 206, 3rd season, Florida Stat
Rushed for 1,000-plus yards and 11 TDs for second straight season ... Also can catch the ball ... Fourth-round pick who became starter in second NFL year
Tevin Coleman, RB (26), 6-1, 210, 2nd season, Indian
Complement to Freeman, third-round pick who has more speed ... Scored eight rushing TDs in 2016 and three as receiver ... Already has two postseason touchdowns
Julio Jones, WR (11), 6-2, 220, 6th season, Alabam
All-Pro for second straight season ... Despite toe injury, had nine receptions for 180 yards and two touchdowns in NFC title game ... Uses speed, size and strength ... Can go long or turn short throws into big gains
Mohamed Sanu, WR (12), 6-2, 210, 5th season, Rutger
Key free agency pickup from Cincinnati ... Strong complement to Jones, had 59 receptions, four TDs during season, added two TD catches in postseason ... Versatile and athletic
Taylor Gabriel, WR (18), 5-8, 167, 3rd season, Abilene Christia
Was released by Cleveland — yep, couldn't make Browns and is now in Super Bowl ... Scored six TDs during season after grabbing third Wholesale Cheap NFL Jerseys WR role ... Undrafted because of size, but has proven dangerous downfield threa
Austin Hooper, TE (81), 6-4, 248, 1st season, Stanfo
Atlanta's third-round pick who didn't catch single pass in four games this season ... Strictly a receiver at the position, must improve blocking ... One of four tight ends on depth char
Jake Matthews, LT (70), 6-5, 305, 3rd season, Texas A&
Son of Hall of Fame OL Bruce Matthews ... First-round pick in 2014 who has had best season ... Will need to be stout against variety of pass rushers for New England ... Houston nativ
Andy Levitre, LG (67), 6-2, 303, 8th season, Oregon Sta
Athletic guard who can do a lot, but also must show he can handle power defenders ... Buffalo's second-rounder in 2009 ... Also played two seasons for Tennessee ... Durable, has never missed a star
Alex Mack, C (50), 6-4, 311, 8th season, Californ
His addition from Cleveland solidified line ... One of the game's best centers, plays hard and plays hurt ... Has ankle injury, says it won't affect him in Super Bow
Chris Chester, RG (65), 6-3, 303, 11th season, Oklaho
Has made career out of being good enough to start, though not a star ... A backup early in career, has started every game since 2011 ... Ravens' second-round pick in 2006, also was with Washingto
Ryan Schraeder, RT (73), 6-7, 300, 4th season, Valdosta Sta
Up-and-coming tackle who had strong season ... Tall, but anchors well and doesn't often let defenders get under him ... Undrafted player who saw action as tight end earlier in caree
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DEFEN
Brooks Reed, DE (50), 6-3, 254, 6th season, Arizo
Comes off strong playoff performances ... Gets opportunities because he plays opposite Beasley ... Houston's second-rounder in 2011 ... Has six playoff sack
Jonathan Babineaux, DT (95), 6-2, 300, 12th season, Io
Veteran run stuffer who was second-round pick in 2005 ... Longest-tenured Falcon, has appeared in 185 games ... Can get to QB on occasion, but not his rol
Grady Jarrett, DT (97), 6-0, 305, 2nd season, Clems
Came in with Beasley, is somewhat overshadowed by him, as he was at Clemson ... Clogs middle, but can penetrate into backfield ... Fifth-round pick in 2015, became regular this seaso
Tyson Jackson, DE (94), 6-4, 296, 8th season, L
Third overall selection in 2009 by Kansas City ... Didn't do a lot for Chiefs, then joined Falcons in 2014 as free agent ... Will yield to aging but still dangerous Dwight Freeney (93) on passing down
Vic Beasley Jr., LB (44), 6-3, 246, 2nd season, Clems
After mediocre rookie year as first-rounder, might have been NFL's most improved player this season ... Had 15½ sacks to top NFL — and he's just learning ... All-Pro who has not stood out so much in postseason ... Patriots must control h
. Deion Jones, LB (45), 6-1, 222, 1st season,
U Second-rounder was one of Official NFL Authentic Jerseys's top rookies this season ... Aggressive and agile ... Plays mostly in coverage rather than blitzing, had four INTs (including playoffs), no sacks ... Involved in 106 tackl
. De'Vondre Campbell, LB (59), 6-4, 232, 1st season, Minnes
a Fourth-rounder who missed four games early in schedule (ankle), then came on ... Not real active in passing game, had zero sacks because he rarely rushed ... One of four rookie starters on
. Robert Alford, CB (23), 5-10, 186, 4th season, SE Louisi
a Veteran of the secondary will be tested by Patriots early and often ... Second-round pick in 2013 just finished third season as regular ... Not a ball-hawk, only nine interceptions in career ... Needs to be aggressive in covera
. Jalen Collins, CB (32), 6-1, 203, 2nd season,
U Second-round choice in 2015 who didn't play much, but came on when healthy this season after top CB Desmond Trufant was injured ... Had key forced fumble and recovery vs. Green Bay ... New England receivers are healthy, unlike Green Bay's, and will test Colli
. Brian Poole, CB (34), 5-10, 211, 1st season, Flor
a Undrafted rookie who got bigger role after S Kemal Ishmael had season-ending shoulder injury in December ... Active in postseason with 10 tackles ... Patriots sometimes abuse slot DBs, so he needs to be sha
. Ricardo Allen, S (37), 5-9, 186, 2nd season, Pur
e Fifth-rounder in 2014, didn't debut for Falcons until next year ... Consistent starter with nose for the ball, has five picks in short career ... Pretty good tackler despite si
. Keanu Neale, S (22), 6-0, 211, 1st season, Flor
a Like Jones, one of NFL's most impressive rookies ... Hits hard, sometimes goes beyond limits ... Reminiscent of Seattle's star safeties ... First-round selection who took part in 105 tackl
.
_ SPECIAL TE
S Matt Bryant, K (3), 5-9, 203, 15th season, Bay
r Among most dependable kickers in NFL history ... Led league in scoring with 158 points, made 34 of 37 field goals and 56 — yes, 56 — extra points ... Hit 59-yarder this season ... First Super
wl. Matt Bosher, P (5), 6-0, 208, 6th season,
ami Ranked sixth in gross average, but punted only 44 times, fewest among league leaders ... Doesn't always get punts high, leading to some returns ... Rare punter who was drafted, sixth round in
11. Eric Weems, KR/PR (14), 5-9, 195, 10th season, Bethune-Co
man Still doing well as returner after decade in NFL ... Ranked sixth in punt return average ... Not as effective running back kickoffs ... Also played two seasons for Chi
go.
___ NEW ENGLAND PAT
OTS OF
NSE Tom Brady, QB (12), 6-4, 225, 17th season, Mic
gan Three-time Super Bowl MVP seeking unprecedented for QBs fifth ring ... Is 4-2 in Super Bowls, including victory in 2015 ... Suspended for first four games of season for "Deflategate," then had one of his best years ... Unless Falcons can pressure him, he could tear apart def
se. LeGarrette Blount, RB (29), 6-0, 250, 7th season, O
gon Power runner who does best work near end zone ... Led NFL with 18 touchdowns rushing ... Had second 1,000-plus yard rushing season ... Also played for Tampa and Pittsburgh, which he basically quit before landing back with New England in
14. Julian Edelman, WR (11), 5-10, 200, 8th season, Kent
ate College QB who made immediate switch to receiver and has become go-to guy for Brady ... Sure hands, runs excellent routes ... Feisty ... Already has 16 catches, 255 yards in postseason ... Also returns p
ts. Chris Hogan, WR (15), 6-1, 210, 4th season, Mon
uth Former lacrosse player at Penn State and small college football guy ... Joined Patriots this season after playing three seasons with Bills ... Starred in AFC title game with nine catches, 180 yards, two TDs ... Adds speed to receiving g
up. If you have any issues regarding where by and how to use Official Cheap NFL Jerseys, you can contact us at our web-page. Malcolm Mitchell, WR (19), 5-11, 200, 1st season, Ge
gia Rookie who has earned Brady's confidence ... Made 32 receptions, scored four times during season ... Missed divisional-round game vs Houston ... Fourth-round pick and generally fourth or fifth option fo
QB. Martellus Bennett, TE (88), 6-6, 275, 9th season, Texas A&
p;M With star Rob Gronkowski sidelined, Bennett has become key starter ... Brady likes to target tight ends and Bennett had 55 catches, seven TDs this season ... Entertaining guy who keeps things light on often dour t
ms. Nate Solder, LT (77), 6-8, 325, 6th season, Col
ado Unsung left tackle who nailed down starting job in 2012 ... First-round pick in 2011, also played right tackle ... Missed much of 2015 while injured, came back solidly this se
on. Joe Thuney, LG (62), 6-4, 305, 1st season, North Carolina
ate Patriots unafraid to play rookies and Thuney is latest ... Third-round pick who fits job description perfectly: diligent, unassuming, good stu
nt. David Andrews, C (60), 6-2, 295, 2nd season, Ge
gia Another young blocker, Andrew became starter as rookie and performed well ... Undrafted find by scouting department ... Not real big but uses leverage and strength
ll. Shaq Mason, RG (69), 6-1, 310, 2nd season, Georgia
ech One more young blocker who came in as rookie and established himself ... Has played both sides ... Fourth-round pick in 2015, particularly strong in run
me. Marcus Cannon, RT (61), 6-5, 335, 6th season
TCU Along with Andrews, most underrated O-line member in New England ... Versatile, has seen some duty at center and guard ... Second-team All-Pro this se
on.
___ DE
NSE Chris Long, DE (95), 6-2, 270, 9th season, Vir
nia First season with Patriots after eight injury-filled years with Rams ... Second overall pick in 2008 draft ... All-around performer who can stop run and rush passer ... Son of Hall of Fame DL Howie
ng. Alan Branch, DT (97), 6-6, 350, 10th season, Mic
gan Branch has been around, really found home in Foxborough ... Second-round selection by Arizona in 2007, also played for Seattle and Buffalo ... Space eater who ties up blockers so others can make tac
es. Malcom Brown, DT (90), 6-2, 320, 2nd season,
xas First-rounder in 2015 who has been solid since joining team ... Like Branch, more clogger than playmaker ... Won't have huge impact versus pass, but has four sacks this se
on. Trey Flowers, DE (98), 6-2, 265, 2nd season, Ark
sas Developed quickly into team's best pass rusher ... After trading Chandler Jones, Patriots needed DE to step up and Flowers did after barely seeing field as rookie ... Finished with seven sacks, involved in 45 tac
es. Jabaal Sheard, DE (93),6-3, 265, 6th season, Pitts
rgh Veteran presence who escaped Cleveland and has been steady for New England ... Did best work for Browns in first three seasons after being selected in second round in 2011 ... Has 13 sacks in two seasons for Patr
ts. Shea McLellin, LB (58), 6-2, 250, 5th season, Boise
ate Another retread, 2012 first-rounder by Chicago who fizzled there ... Can get to the QB, also has nose for ball and has made four fumble recoveries in career ... Mostly situational pl
er. Dont'a Hightower, LB (54), 6-2, 265, 5th season, Al
ama Top defender and leader on unit ... Learned similar defensive style in school, adapted right away to Patriots ... First-round pick in 2012, pretty much starter when available ... Was part of 65 tackles this season, had 2½ s
ks. Rob Ninkovich, LB (50), 6-2, 260, 11th season, P
due Whether he's lined up at end or LB, Ninkovich makes plays ... Fourth Super Bowl ... Joined Patriots in 2009, also was with Saints and Dolphins, but barely played ... 15 fumble recoveries, 52 sacks show his v
ue. Kyle Van Noy, LB (53), 6-3, 242, 3rd season
BYU Yet another newcomer to New England who prospered on stingiest scoring defense in league ... Detroit's second-rounder in 2014, had little impact there ... Moves well, active in coverage, finds the
ll. Logan Ryan, CB (26), 5-11, 195, 4th season, Ru
ers Third-round choice in 2013, became regular in 2015 ... Has had excellent postseason, will be tested by Julio Jones and Sanu ... Has 14 picks ... Involved in 92 tackles this se
on. Malcolm Butler, CB (21), 5-11, 190, 3rd season, West Al
ama Undrafted free agent who became Super Bowl hero with interception of Russell Wilson to clinch title two years ago ... Aggressive, good hands, reads routes well ... Figures to see plenty of Julio Jones ... Made 2015 Pro
wl. Eric Rowe, CB (25), 6-1, 205, 2nd season,
tah Third cornerback who also came from elsewhere, was Philadelphia's second-round selection in 2015 ... Could see a lot of Gabriel ... Had interception of Ben Roethlisberger in AFC championship
me. Devin McCourty, S (32), 5-10, 195, 7th season, Ru
ers Most reliable DB on team ... Former cornerback who found home at safety, is leader of secondary ... Good tackler, reads offensive tendencies well ... Hits hard ... In third Super Bowl ... Twin Jason plays for Ti
ns. Patrick Chung, S (23), 5-11, 215, 8th season, O
gon Second-round pick in 2009 who had many ups and downs ... Went to Eagles in 2013 and pretty much flopped ... Then returned to New England and has been solid ... Hard-hitting tackler with better ball skills and recognition than in first term with Patr
ts.
___ SPECIAL
AMS Stephen Gostkowski, K (3), 6-1, 215, 11th season, Me
his Replacing success like Adam Vinatieri could have been thankless, but Gostkowski is team's all-time scoring leader ... Very strong leg, makes the critical kicks, though he missed PAT in 2015 AFC title match ... Made 27 of 32 field goals, scored 127 po
ts. Ryan Allen, P (6), 6-2, 220, 4th season, Louisiana
ech Punters tend to come and go in New England. Allen has lasted four years, which says something ... Consistent kicker not bothered by weather. Of course, that won't matter in Hou
on. Dion Lewis, KR (33), 5-8, 195, 5th season, Pitts
rgh Spent two inconsequential seasons with Eagles, then joined Patriots ... Dynamic player in 2015 until he tore up knee, had four touchdowns in seven games ... Returned late this season and has been key contributor as runner and receiver ... Had 98-yard TD return vs. Houston ... Could match up well vs. Atlanta secon
ry. Danny Amendola, PR (80), 5-11, 190, 8th season, Texas
ech Regularly a wideout, Amendola also is sure-handed returner ... Spent first four seasons with Rams, then became reliable target for Brady ... Had big 2015 returning punts with 12.0 average. That sank to 6.0 this season ... Can surprise coverage teams with his b
st.
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