Three keys to an Eagles victory

By Joe Smeltzer

Nick Foles is the man. Can he work his magic the way he did against the Vikings? (Photo creds to Texas HS Football)

It's Super Bowl Sunday. Pretty much everybody outside of the Northeast- and maybe a few NFC East cities- is pulling for the Philadelphia Eagles today, and I am one of those people. Here are three things the Eagles can do to pull off the unthinkable and slay Tom Terrific.


Key #1: Pressure Tom Brady

Photo creds to Ranker

When defenders get close to Tom Brady, he can be vulnerable. When they don't,  he's the greatest quarterback of all time. If Fletcher Cox, Timmy Jernigan and co. can handle the Pats offensive line and get close to Brady, number 12 could be in trouble. If number 12 is in trouble, so are the Patriots.

Key #2: Take advantage of opportunities

Photo creds to Eagles.com

If Jacksonville had made the most of Dion Lewis' fumble two  weeks ago, which took place when the Jags were up by ten early in the fourth quarter, this Super Bowl could have an astronomically different look. But instead, the Jags stalled, and if you can't put away Tom Brady, Tom Brady will put you in the grave. The Seahawks learned that three years ago. The Falcons learned last year, and the Jags learned in the NFC Championship Game. If the Eagles have momentum and don't take full advantage, they could be next in line.


Key #3: Don't get conservative

Photo creds to Barstool Sports Stoe

Kyle Shanahan showed the world how not to coach with a lead against New England in last year's Super Bowl. Will Doug Pederson do the same should Philly be in the driver's seat late in the second half? Time will tell. I would assume that the Eagles are aware of New England coming back from the dead in its last two Super Bowl wins, and hopefully, they use this knowledge not to repeat the mistakes of the others that were once on the biggest stage in North American sports.

Prediction
I want the Eagles to win, but I don't see it happening. After the last two Super Bowls, and even after the AFC Title game, how do you bet against Tom Brady? The Patriots never blow teams out in Super Bowls, so I'm hesitant to pick an easy win. But I think this margin of victory will be the highest of New Englands' soon to be six Super Bowl wins. The Eagles are good. They are not New England good.

Pats 31, Eagles 21.