Super Bowl 51 was the perfect example. The Atlanta Falcons had the better talent, had more momentum heading into the Super Bowl, and had a 28-3 lead. Of course, the Patriots playmakers were huge down the stretch … but experience is what ultimately led to their ability to be.
Outside of the rare blowouts (like Super Bowl 48 when the Seahawks trounced Denver), things don’t always go according to plan in the Super Bowl, for both the winner and the loser.
The key is who can handle the adversity, make adjustments and weather the storm. The Patriots have proven time and time again that they are the greatest team ever in terms of handling those tough situations, where as this Eagles team simply isn’t.
Sure, the divisional game against Atlanta was … for lack of a better word, sloppy. Each team had to make the plays down the stretch and show mental toughness, however, the Falcons certainly shot themselves in the foot as much as Philly won the game.
Experience in the head coach, quarterback, coaching staff, and returning players from last year’s run will give New England the edge in this game.
The Eagles are without question more talented, even without Carson Wentz. The Eagles will also have their moments, they will score, they will make timely stops. The Super Bowl almost always comes down to who has it in the fourth quarter, and it’s unlikely that the Eagles will know what it takes to finish out the game because they just haven’t been there yet.
The only chance Philly has is to enter the fourth quarter with the lead, because the Patriots are also fabulous at closing out games when they’re ahead. Even if the Eagles have the lead heading into the final 15 minutes, it just probably won’t be enough.
The Eagles are hanging their hats on being able to pressure Brady because of New England’s average offensive line. The Eagles plan on mixing up the pass and the run to keep this inconsistent Patriots defense on its toes because New England has been vulnerable when teams take that approach.
Make no mistake about it … if the fans and analysts understand this strategy, the Patriots understand it far more.
At the end of the day, this should be a very tight, competitive Super Bowl that comes down to the final quarter. However, the Patriots are too seasoned and will outprepare and outperform this young Eagles squad, despite its highly talented roster.
Prediction: Patriots 27, Eagles 24
MVP: Tom Brady (Patriots quarterback)
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