It’s certainly understandable to see most people betting on Tom Brady, Bill Belichick and the Patriots to win yet another Super Bowl title. But the Eagles have what it takes to take down the defending champs — a quick, talented and, most importantly, deep defensive line.
In last year’s Super Bowl and in this year’s AFC title game, both the Falcons and Jaguars were able to get pressure with their front four at the start of the game. Unfortunately for both teams, by the time the third and fourth quarters rolled around, their defensive lines were gassed and Brady was able to sit back and pick them apart.
The Eagles’ starters up front are Vinny Curry and Brandon Graham at the ends, and Timmy Jernigan and Fletcher Cox at the tackle spots. While those four have been great all year, they play in a rotation with Derek Barnett, Chris Long and Beau Allen who have also been huge for the Birds this year.
If the Eagles are going to beat the Pats, they will need their front four to get pressure on Brady from the opening kickoff until the final seconds on Sunday.
What that pressure up front will do is allow some of the Eagles’ ball hawks in the secondary — Jalen Mills, Ronald Darby and Patrick Robinson to name a few — to fly around and potentially take advantage of an errant pass caused by that pass rush.
While the defense will be the key to victory for the Eagles, quarterback Nick Foles will certainly have to make some plays in order to get the W.
Foles was impressive in the NFC title game win over the Vikings and head coach Doug Pederson seems to have found a way to allow the backup QB to minimize risk but also take some shots down field to keep the opposing defense off balance.
If the Eagles can get their running game — led by former Patriot LeGarrette Blount and Jay Ajayi — going early, Foles will have some chances to connect with Alshon Jeffrey, Zach Ertz and company in the passing game.
The Patriots are the favorite for a reason, but I think the Eagles can get the job done on both sides of the ball and pull off the upset.
Prediction: Eagles 27, Patriots 20
MVP: Brandon Graham (Eagles defensive end)
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