Super Bowl 2015: 3 Important Stats That May Decide Outcome

January 18, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch (24) runs the ball against Green Bay Packers cornerback

(37) during the second half in the NFC Championship game at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

2. Marshawn Lynch’s 5.5 Yards Per Carry

This plays into the last statistic, pointing to problems with the Patriots run defense. Marshawn Lynch averages 5.5 yards per carry in this postseason. The Seahawks are heavily dependent on their rushing attack, and Lynch is getting big chunks with every carry.

The biggest key to the game is that the Seahawks are able to win on first down. The Seahawks want to set up 3rd and manageable instead of 3rd and longs to prevent quarterback Russell Wilson from struggling against this vaunted Patriots secondary. A 5.5 yard per carry average means, Lynch can win on first downs, setting up favorable situations for the offense.

The run game is so important to the Seahawks. Their entire offense is built off their ability to pound the rock. If Lynch can continue to crank out the huge rushes, the Patriots have their work cut out for them.

Next: 1. Rob Gronkowski's 13.6 Yards Per Catch