Super Bowl LII has now arrived. It was roller coaster season for many teams in 2018. But two in particular were able to grab an early strangle hold on their respective conferences and remain on top for the duration of the season. And that leads us to this Sunday and a match up between the two time defending AFC Champion New England Patriots and the NFC Champion Philadelphia Eagles. These two teams took to completely different paths, one decimated with injury the other littered with hurdle after hurdle for a 40 year old QB. However, each team is battle tested and on the season’s final Sunday we will figure out who will prevail the great dynasty or the team of destiny?
The New England Patriots
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Regular Season Recap
The New England Patriots finished the season with a 13-3 record good enough to grab the AFC’s #1 seed in the playoffs. Much of their success was due to Quarterback Tom Brady being able to defy Father Time week after week. New England had their fair share of narrow come from behind victories. These wins proved that the five time Super Bowl champion still had what it takes.
Brady lead the league in passing with 4,577 yards and 32 TD. The biggest surprise however, was the defense’s ability to finish games late in the season, something they struggle to do early on. The defending champs were downright putrid in the secondary over the first quarter of the season giving 30 points seemingly to every team that showed up. But after a change in scheme by defensive coordinator Matt Patricia the Pats were able to lock in. Therefore get key stops to help end games.
Postseason Results
The Patriots made quick work of an overmatched Tennessee team in the divisional round. The Titans were unable to do anything on the ground, and as a result New England came away with a dominant 35-14 victory. In the conference championship things got a little tougher as the Jaguars jumped out to a commanding 20-10 lead. However that didn’t last long as the defense hunkered down and Tom Brady was well… Tom Brady. The Patriots mounted a furious comeback capped off by a spectacular Danny Amendola TD catch. New England punched their way to the Super Bowl with a 24-20 win.
How They Stack Up
Passing Offense: 2nd
Rushing Offense: 10th
Total Offense: 1st
Scoring: 2nd
Total Defense: 29th
Rushing Defense: 20th
Passing Defense: 30th
Scoring Defense: 5th
The Philadelphia Eagles
Regular Season Recap
The Philadelphia Eagles finished the season with a 13-3 record good enough to grab the NFC’s #1 seed in the playoffs. Much of their early success was due to second year QB Carson Wentz being able to defy the dreaded sophomore jinx and week after week. Philadelphia had their fair share of blowout victories at home despite losing key players. This proved to everyone that they were real deal early in the year.
Wentz had a career high 33 passing TD’s. The biggest surprise however, was the defense’s ability to finish games late in the season, once Wentz went down with a devastating ACL injury. But after a change in scheme by defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz the Birds were able to close in and get key stops. This helped to end games when new QB Nick Foles struggled. Another big reason for Philadelphia’s success is the run game, lead by three headed monster Jay Ajayi, LeGarrette Blount, and Corey Clement.
Postseason Results
The Eagles displayed a defensive masterpiece against Atlanta in the divisional round. The Falcons were unable to do anything in the air, and as a result Philadelphia came away with a 15-10 victory. In the conference championship things went even better, as the Vikings jumped out to an early 7-0 lead but did little afterwards. The Vikes were blanked from the second quarter on and the Eagles scored 38 unanswered points. The Eagles were lead by Nick Foles’ 3 TD’s on 352 yards passing. Philadelphia punched their ticket to the Super Bowl with a 38-7 win.
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How They Stack Up
Passing Offense: 13th
Rushing Offense: 3rd
Total Offense: 7th
Scoring: 3rd
Total Defense: 4th
Rushing Defense: 1st
Passing Defense: 17th
Scoring Defense: 4th
Final Prediction
The Philly pass rush will send pressure up the middle and force Brady to make uncharacteristic mistakes. Offensively the Eagles will use a precise well timed passing attack combined with a dominant running game to keep the Pats off balance. In the end it will probably come down to a kick off the foot of Jake Elliot.
Eagles Win: 23-20