Daily Local News (West Chester, PA)
Race to first: Recent history favors No. 1 seed
PHILADELPHIA » The last four Super Bowl champions have something in common beyond skill.
All were No. 1 seeds, the New England Patriots (twice), Denver Broncos and Seattle Seahawks all taking the Lombardi Trophy.
It’s the first time that’s happened in four straight years since the modern 12-team playoff format was adopted in 1990.
Moreover, the runners-up in those four Super Bowls were No. 1 seeds except the Atlanta Falcons (No. 2), who last year were defeated by the Patriots.
Here’s the list with seedings in parenthesis: Super Bowl champions: 51 – Patriots (1) over Falcons (2) 50 – Broncos (1) over Panthers (1)
49 – Patriots (1) over Seahawks (1)
48 – Seahawks (1) over Broncos (1)
The last Super Bowl titlist that wasn’t a top seed was the Baltimore Ravens (No. 4), who, five years ago defeated the San Francisco 49ers (2).
The Eagles (12-2) can clinch a top seed and give themselves a statistical chance at a Super Bowl title with a victory over the Oakland Raiders Monday night at Lincoln Financial Field.
Now, there is a rub. All the above SB winners got it done with their franchise quarterbacks. The Eagles, of course, are rolling with backup Nick Foles in the wake of the season-ending injury to Carson Wentz. That’s a significant hurdle, for sure. But the home field advantage throughout the second season also is huge for a team such as the Eagles, who statistically have played their best football at the Linc.
The Eagles still have a solid run game fueled by Jay Ajayi, LeGarrette Blount and Corey Clement. It’s done considerable damage this season despite operating behind a reconstructed line due to injuries.
There are a lot of teams that wish they had the explosiveness and depth the Eagles enjoy with their receiving corps. Alshon Jeffery has nine touchdowns, tight end Zach Ertz and wide receiver Nelson Agholor eight each. Trey Burton has five scoring receptions for the Eagles, who have a leaguehigh 37 TDs through the air.
The defense is lights out at the Linc, the Eagles outscoring the opposition 216-91. That’s a ridiculous 20.8-point average margin victory.
With, again, Wentz at quarterback.
The 2001 Patriots, with Tom Brady, are last team with a backup quarterback to win the Super Bowl. Then again, Brady replaced the injured Drew Bledsoe in the first month of the season.
Let’s stop the quarterback mentions and move on. Here are teams the Eagles want to, and don’t want to play in the tournament.
Who the Eagles want to play:
LOS ANGELES RAMS » Sure, the Eagles had no answer for Todd Gurley, who was a carry away from stamping them with 100 rushing yards. But he couldn’t beat the Birds in LA partly because quarterback Jared Goff is at least a year away from defeating a veteran defense. Even with the master, Wade Phillips, coordinating the Rams’ defense, this team is in trouble. Plus, they’ve had to move on without injured Pro Bowl kicker Greg Zuerlein, a huge part of their special teams. ATLANTA FALCONS » Exton product Matt Ryan is savvy but has such limited mobility the Eagles’ pass rush can take his signature seven-step drop right out of the game plan. Julio Jones is the real threat here, although we’re big fans of playmaking linebacker Deion Jones. Running back Devonta Freeman has moments, but they’re just moments. SEATTLE SEAHAWKS (ELIMINATED WITH LOSS TO COWBOYS) » Sure, the Eagles were beaten soundly by the Seahawks earlier this season. But that was in Seattle. The Hawks are a different team on the road. They’re not even the same team they were when they defeated the Eagles, as linebacker Bobby Wagner is hurting. Doug Pederson wouldn’t have to give a pre-game speech to pump his team up for this game. It would be payback time for the Eagles. DALLAS COWBOYS (ELIMINATED WIHT LOSS TO SEATTLE) » The hated Cowboys would be a dream opponent for the Eagles, their fans turning the volume up so loud Jerry Jones would order a timeout just to hear himself think. The Eagles have their number. The Cow
Who the Eagles don’t want to play:
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS » Mark Ingram and Alvin Kamara bring a run dimension to an already tough attack directed by Drew Brees. The run game travels well in frigid temperatures. With fewer possessions, it will be tough for the Eagles, and any team to keep up with the Saints. Sean Payton isn’t the easiest head coach to like. Ask anyone on referee Clete Blakeman’s crew. But the product of Marple Junior Tiger football is not a guy you want to go up against in the playoffs. CAROLINA PANTHERS » If Wentz was healthy, no problem. With Foles? I don’t think so. Luke Kuechly put a handful of hits on Wentz before exiting with a concussion earlier this season. Kuechly blitzing Foles is a recipe for Nate Sudfeld. MINNESOTA VIKINGS » Anthony Barr and Everson Griffen are reincarnations of the greats who played in the Buddy Ryan defenses. They’re game-changers who take away opponents’ strengths. Quarterback Case Keenum has a boring, turnover-free game that doesn’t make the best use of talents Adam Thielen and Stefon Diggs, yet wins both indoors and out.
Contact Bob Grotz at bgrotz@21st-centurymedia.com; follow him on Twitter @BobGrotz.