Don Brennan breaks down five things to watch for in Sunday’s Super Bowl
1 Who will stay hot? Will it be the Patriots, with their second Super Bowl win in a row, or Nick Foles, with his third playoff win in a row? Much of the Eagles’ hope rests with Foles, who is full of confidence after a masterful performance against the Minnesota Vikings’ No. 1-ranked defence in the conference championship. While he could wilt under the pressure of the mammoth moment, Foles could also bring Philadelphia its first Super Bowl and become just the 10th backup (and first since Tom Brady in 2001) to lead his team to the title.
2 Feel the heat, Tom? How does one stop a GOAT, anyway? Brady could easily extend his ring collection to a second hand unless the Eagles can provide a serious distraction with their pass rush. Philadelphia is not known as a blitzing team, but the front four that played such a large part in the Eagles becoming the best run defence in the league is also capable of getting through to the quarterback.
3 Gronk and friends After missing last season’s playoffs because of an injury and then getting knocked out of this year’s conference championship with a concussion, Rob Gronkowski will be eager to build on a resume that sees him with 10 TDs in 12 career post-season games. While the Pats also have a terrific deep threat in Brandin Cooks, their Mr. Clutch in these playoffs has been Danny Amendola, who has 18 catches, 196 yards and two TDs in two games.
4 Poor choice of words? Asked what the Eagles would do if they win, WR Alshon Jeffery stopped short of guaranteeing it. But only in that he didn’t use the “G” word. “Ain’t no if, man. When we win on Sunday, ain’t no telling what we’re going to do,” said Jeffery, who did guarantee he would be a Super Bowl champ this year, before he signed in Philly. “We’re probably going to celebrate and have some fun.” You have to know Patriots coach Bill Belichick will mention this to his players.
5 Ramblin’ gamblin’ man Eagles coach Doug Pederson is not afraid to take chances. Philadelphia gambled on fourth down 26 times this season, which was second most in the NFL, and led the league with 17 conversions. The Eagles will not change their ways now, and the game could ultimately be decided on a successful or failed fourth-down gamble.