Way-Too-Early 2023 Super Bowl Prediction

Story posted February 16, 2022 in CommRadio, Sports by Justin Ciavolella

The Los Angeles Rams just won their second Super Bowl in franchise history.

As they celebrate their accomplishment, it is time to predict what two teams will be heading to Glendale, Arizona for Super Bowl LVII.

AFC Champion: New England Patriots

A sight that has been seen many times over the past two decades will once again be seen. The New England Patriots will return to the big game for the first time since the departure of Tom Brady.

Though Brady may be gone, along with Rob Gronkowski, Stephon Gilmore and others, Bill Belichick is not. Belichick has coached the Patriots to 18 playoff appearances, nine Super Bowl appearances and six Super Bowl victories in his 22 seasons at the helm.

Belichick and the Patriots seem to have found their next franchise quarterback in former Alabama quarterback Mac Jones. Jones was drafted with the No. 15 overall pick in the 2021 draft and led the Patriots to a 10-7 record and into the playoffs in his first year.

The Patriots made the decision to draft Jones and surround him with talent after they missed the playoffs in 2020. They added Jonnu Smith, Hunter Henry and Kendrick Bourne to Jones’ offense.

This offense was in the top-10 in scoring this season, averaging 26.6 points per game. With Jones having a year of experience under his belt, this number could rise if the weapons remain in place.

The offense did not perform well in their 47-17 loss to the Buffalo Bills in the Wild Card Round. A few weeks later, the offense lost their coordinator when Josh McDaniels left to be the head coach for the Las Vegas Raiders.

Consistency will be key for the young quarterback and Belichick will look to keep his system the same despite the loss of McDaniels.

Cap space could pose an issue this offseason, but owner Robert Kraft and the rest of the decision makers likely have a plan in place.

That plan could revolve around the No. 21 overall pick in this year's draft. A wide receiver or edge rusher could be the target with that pick. Upgrading the running game may also be a priority.

NFC Champion: San Francisco 49ers

The Green Bay Packers would be the choice for the NFC Champions, if Aaron Rodgers and Devante Adams were guaranteed to return, but they are not.

With that, enter the San Francisco 49ers, who defeated the Packers in the divisional round this year. The 49ers fell just a few points shy of their second Super Bowl appearance in the last three seasons.

The 49ers were propelled deep into the playoffs by a stout defense. The defense was able to eliminate two of the top-10 scoring teams in the league in the Dallas Cowboys and Green Bay Packers.

The defense is likely to stay intact this offseason as the 49ers have room to work with. They have a few candidates to cut and save more money, including quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo. This money can be used to strengthen the offense around Trey Lance.

Lance, the rookie first-round quarterback from North Dakota State University, appeared in several games for the 49ers and endured some ups and downs. He finished the year with a 57.7% completion rate, five touchdowns and two interceptions, but a QBR of 33.4.

With George Kittle, Deebo Samuel and an above average running back committee, only a few upgrades need to be made to make Lance comfortable.

Lance did lose his offensive coordinator, which always proves to be a challenge for young quarterbacks. Mike McDaniel left to fill the head coaching vacancy in Miami. McDaniel is referred to by many as one of the brightest minds in football.

John Lynch and company will not have a first round pick this offseason, but will look to find value in the later rounds.


Super Bowl Champion: San Francisco 49ers


Justin Ciavolella is a first-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email jtc5751@psu.edu.