STINGRAYS REVEAL ALL
AS part of the Gold Coast Stingrays and their stunning run of success in Gridiron Queensland Sunbowls, Ben Walker knows all about a big end-of-season game.
And even though his heart wants Philadelphia to win Super Bowl LII in Minneapolis this morning Walker cannot see hot favourites New England being beaten.
BIG GUNS
The Patriots have everything stacked in their favour – a great record in Super Bowls on the back of Tom Brady, arguably the greatest quarterback in history.
Reports from the USA indicate Brady is in doubt with a hand injury but Walker has no doubts he will line up.
“It’s hard to overlook him, the guy is just a freak of a player,” Walker said when asked if he will win another most valuable player award. “He can do the lot. “Last year in the Super Bowl the Pats were down 21 or 24 points in the fourth quarter and he helped them come back and win against the Atlanta Falcons.
“Then against the Jaguars
this year they were down about 17 in the fourth quarter and he helped them win.”
KEY MEN
Walker, who coached the Stingrays to a third Sunbowl in four years in 2017, says the importance of the game means Brady, and fellow star Rob Gronkowski will play.
“Gronkowski (a tight end), who would be the second best player on the team, sustained a concussion against Jacksonville and is still going through the concussion protocol at the moment,” he said.
“If Tom Brady is 100 per cent and Gronkowski is right I think the Patriots are at good odds to win.”
UNDERDOGS
So do Philadelphia have anyone remotely close to Brady’s importance?
“No,” Walker said. “Nick Foles (Eagles q-back) is not even in the same league.
“If anything the defence of Philadelphia is a key. Their defensive co-ordinator Jim Schwartz is a very good thinker and that’s what’s going to keep them in it.”
HISTORY SAYS...
Statistics point towards the Patriots adding another Super Bowl to their tally.
The Pats have won five from nine appearances, the Eagles have lost both times they made the big stage.
The last time Philadelphia played off for the Super Bowl they lost 24-21 to New England in Jacksonville.
Pittsburgh (six wins) have won the most Super Bowls while the Patriots, Cowboys and 49ers (five wins) are next.