LONDON: As the biggest game in American sport nears, Arab News looks ahead at where the Super Bowl could be won for Nick Foles’ Philadelphia Eagles or the New England Patriots led by Tom Brady...
5 KEYS TO EAGLES ECSTASY
Playing up to the 'underdog' status
It says something about the Super Bowl pedigree of New England when one of the best teams to come out of the NFC East in recent memory are considered the underdogs, but that has not stopped this Eagles team on their first run at the big game since 2005 — when they lost to the Patriots. While the pressure will be heaped on them by their own fans and those in success-starved Philadelphia, the rest of the world does not give Doug Pederson’s team a chance against the Patriots juggernaut. That should work to their advantage as they look to avenge their agonizing defeat in 2004’s showpiece.
Trust Nick Foles
Having been out in the quarterback wilderness for a while, it would make for a remarkable story if stand-in QB Foles can defy the odds and clinch the Vince Lombardi trophy for this Eagles set-up. Having played second-fiddle to the unstoppable Carson Wentz all season, he more than rose to the task of stepping in when Wentz made Philly wince, tearing his ACL in Week 14. Foles has not looked back since and has thrown five post-season touchdowns on the way to tonight’s Super Bowl. With all eyes on Tom Brady, Foles might just have the freedom to play the game of his life, which he will need to do considering the opponents.
Don’t waste Red Zone chances
The demolition of the Vikings in the NFC Championship game showed just how potent this Eagles attack can be once it starts clicking. Their third-down conversion percentage was third-best in the NFL during the regular season, but in the post-season it has been other-worldly with 16 successful conversions out of 27 attempts. Moving the chains and keeping the scoreboard ticking not only keeps Brady off the field but also puts him under pressure when he is on it, so when they get the chance these Eagles have to convert.
Strong defensive line
We have been treated to some slick offense from Doug Pederson’s team, but it is on their defensive prowess they must rely if they want to pull off the upset. In fairness, this has been the best Eagles defense for a generation. They have allowed the fewest rushing yards this season and the least amount of time to opposing quarterbacks in the pocket — which have both helped Philadelphia record the fourth-most takeaways during the regular season. What’s more, the strength in depth of the roster means the likes of Fletcher Cox and Vinny Curry will be fresh and ready to go come kick-off.
'Fan Power'
They must have one of the worst reputations not only in American Football but American sport in general. Yet, Philadelphia’s fans could have a say in whether or not their team wins the Super Bowl. In a sport where home-field advantage counts for a lot, we can expect the US Bank Stadium in Minnesota to have a distinctly Eagles feel. Not since February 2005 have the Philly faithful seen their team in a Super Bowl and so we can expect them to outnumber their New England counterparts who, while hoping to see their team clinch a sixth title, definitely have a “been-there-done-that” air about them. If it is a close game, expect the raucous Eagles fans to play a part in wrecking Patriots’ play calling.
5 KEYS TO PATRIOTS PARADISE
Tom Brady
It really is as simple as saying the Patriots quarterback’s name — it strikes fear into defenses across the league. Now 40, Brady has laid claim to being the best to ever play the game and will be going for his sixth Vince Lombardi trophy this evening. He has won the most post-season games as a quarterback ever and unless there is a miraculous performance from an Eagles player, he will be named the league MVP for the third time in his career. Stopping Brady is the key for the Eagles, but for the Patriots it will be about giving “TB12” as much time on the field as possible.
Bill Belichick’s play calling
If Brady is the face of this Patriots trophy train, then Belichick is the mastermind behind it all. Widely regarded as one of the greatest coaches in American sport, the quiet, sometimes gruff 65-year-old will have to get his play calling spot on to outfox the exuberance and enthusiasm of the Eagles. And encouragingly for Patriots fans, Belichick and his coaching team are the masters of making in-game changes to their tactics. Two weeks ago, there was not a flicker of panic on Belichick’s face in the AFC Championship game despite going behind to the Jaguars early. “The Hoody”, as he’s affectionately known by Boston media, tweaked his game plan and the Patriots dominated the second half to win 24-20. Expect similar touchline wizardry if the Eagles get an early lead.
Solid offensive line
The Patriots offensive line is nothing special, but it is a well-molded collection of talent. And more importantly, has been playing together for a long time, with the back-ups just as adept at filling in when first-choice players are injured. The Patriots lost Marcus Cannon in the mid-season, and there were LaAdrian Waddle and Cameron Fleming at right tackle to step in during his absence. With the Eagles’ threat, they probably will not keep Brady completely untouched, but if they play to their strengths they will cause problems.
Special teams supremacy
Too many teams pay little attention to the “third phase”, but the Patriots’ devotion to getting the special teams right has been a big part of their continual success. It was in pinning opponents back from the kick-off or punts where the Patriots really showed their class this year, by limiting their opponents to the worst starting field position in the whole of the NFL. So while the defensive unit might not be as strong as Philadelphia’s, it is likely the Eagles offense will have further to go to score. Special teams do not usually win you a game, but they definitely could make things tough for the Eagles.
Rob Gronkowski’s fitness
Arguably the best tight-end the sport has ever seen, “the Gronk” did not play the second half of the AFC title game after a helmet-to-helmet hit from Jacksonville Jaguars’ safety Barry Church. But this week he declared himself fit and “ready to roll” in the Super Bowl, and that is music to the ears of New England fans. Gronkowski led the team in receiving during the regular season with 69 catches for 1,084 yards and eight touchdowns. However, you can be sure that if there are any signs that he is not back to his all-conquering best, the Eagles will pounce and make life difficult for him. He needs to be on top form for the Patriots to click.
ARAB NEWS PREDICTS: Despite Brady, Belichick and all the talk of legacy and dynasties, I have a feeling the Eagles will have one last sublime performance left in them, and on the biggest stage of them all. In a tense affair, I am going for the Eagles by 7 points.