When the Patriots have the ball
Tom Brady has won five Super Bowls, four times as game MVP. Never mind that he is 40, he’s playing as if he’s in his prime — hey, he might be — and will test Philadelphia’s defense from the outset. Brady led the NFL with 4,577 passing yards, but no QB who paced the NFL in that category has won the Super Bowl in that season, going 0-5. Brady couldn’t do it after the 2007 season, and the others were Peyton Manning, Rich Gannon, Kurt Warner and Dan Marino. It’s essential that the Eagles get in Brady’s face throughout. That means defensive linemen Fletcher Cox — the best defensive player in this postseason — Brandon Graham, rookie Derek Barnett and Chris Long must apply pressure. That’s doable but not easy against an offensive line without any stars, but with plenty of skill. Left tackle Nate Solder and center David Andrews are the key guys up front. Philly must be alert not only for all of Brady’s targets — receivers Brandin Cooks, Danny Amendola and Chris Hogan; running backs James White and Dion Lewis — but for Lewis and White in the running game. Both are shifty and flexible and have Brady’s trust. The Eagles’ secondary, often criticized for its inconsistency, has gotten stingy in the playoffs. Of course, cornerbacks Ronald Darby, Jalen Mills and Patrick Robinson haven’t faced this kind of offense. Perhaps most critical among all matchups is whether All-Pro tight end Rob Gronkowski has recovered from a concussion. His confrontations with safety Malcolm Jenkins could be telling.