PHOENIX -- A few quick observations of quarterback Tom Brady and what some of the key areas will be for him in Super Bowl XLIX:

One of the things that immediately stands out when watching the Seattle Seahawks' defense is its speed. The Seahawks close ground quickly and create initial disruption, so opposing quarterbacks seldom have time to stand back in the pocket and survey the field.

With this in mind, and when reviewing notes from six years as a student in the "Tedy Bruschi School of Football," Brady's ability to re-establish a throwing platform is something to watch closely on Sunday. This, coupled with Brady's athletic ability to extend plays, will be a necessity against arguably the most swarming defense he will face this season.

Few can extend plays like Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson, who Bill Belichick said reminded him of watching Roger Staubach with his knack to "Houdini" a seemingly negative play into something positive, but this has also been an area of Brady's game that has been notably improved in 2014. One example: His 17-yard run on third-and-11 in a Dec. 14 win over Miami.

As ESPN Stats & Information pointed out, Wilson opens himself up to additional sacks and pressure from opposing defenses by holding the ball more than a half-second longer than Brady. However, Wilson has also gained 1,295 yards more than Brady via scrambles in the last three seasons (including playoffs).

The breakdown:

Seconds before pass

Brady: 2.38

Wilson: 2.91

Sack percentage

Brady: 4.0

Wilson: 8.0

Pressure percentage

Brady: 20.0

Wilson: 36.0

Scramble yards

Brady: 124

Wilson: 1,419

Total QBR

Brady: 70.8

Wilson: 63.7