Super Bowl LII: Brady Goes for Six as Patriots and Eagles Collide
By Andrew Bet
Tom Brady leads the New England Patriots into Super Bowl LII, seeking a sixth championship against the Philadelphia Eagles.
The pride of San Mateo is once again back on the big stage. No matter his age, Tom Brady is defiant, driving New England to another Super Bowl appearance. For Brady, he will be making his eighth appearance, hoping to lift the Vince Lombardi Trophy for the sixth time.
Junipero Serra High School in San Mateo has educated young men in becoming leaders in the community through faith, service, and commitment to building a better future. Saint Junipero Serra’s spirit is the foundation as Serra Padres never give up.
Brady never gave up in Super Bowl LI. After trailing 28-3 in the third quarter, Brady rallied and began to chip away the lead gained by the Atlanta Falcons. As the fourth quarter was set to expire, overtime was happening as the Patriots tied the game, 28-28.
San Francisco 49ers
After winning the coin toss, Brady did the improbable. New England staged the biggest comeback in Super Bowl history with an overtime victory over Atlanta. The Patriots did not look great at times, but Brady refused to go down without a fight.
At age 40, Brady is showing no signs of slowing down. Like every season, the road to a championship is never easy. He took plenty of hits, especially during the playoffs, but kept getting up and back in the huddle.
His intensity and experience from the postseason garners the respect of his teammates, who understand a higher level of play is expected.
New England may be the favorites on Sunday, but for the team from Philadelphia, the underdog role has been embraced by the team and fans. Despite losing their starting quarterback during the season, the Eagles did not go away and seek their first-ever championship.
Carson Wentz undoubtedly would have been named MVP for the regular season. The tandem of Wentz and head coach, Doug Pederson, kept defenses off balance. Wentz was not perfect throughout the season, but the Eagles stood out as the NFC favorites.
But a devastating blow hitto the Eagles’ aspirations in Los Angeles after Wentz left the game with an apparent knee injury. The worst became reality when it was announced Wentz would be out for the remainder of the season and needed surgery.
As tough as the news was to swallow, a glimmer of hope remained for the Eagles. Nick Foles started at quarterback when former San Francisco 49ers’ head coach Chip Kelly coached the team.
Philly would secure home-field advantage as Foles adjusted to Pederson’s system as the starter. As expected, the Eagles faced being an underdog at home without Wentz. The Eagles narrowly held on to defeat the Falcons, as a goal-line stance became the deciding factor.
In the NFC Championship Game, Foles turned in a performance to excite the city of Brotherly Love and contend against the Patriots. Foles went 26-33 for 352 yards and three touchdowns to knock off the Minnesota Vikings.
If Foles can replicate the success against the Vikings in the Super Bowl, the streets of Philadelphia could be celebrating into the night.
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Second half adjustments will be critical in this matchup. The Patriots have been able to execute defensively after halftime, shutting down Tennessee and Jacksonville to secure postseason victories.
Former Stanford Cardinal tight end Zach Ertz will be an x-factor for the Eagles’ offense. He has been a reliable receiver with Foles taking the snaps. Ertz must be a presence on the field.
Do not be surprised if Philly takes a few deep shots down field early in the game. The Patriots’ defense gets off to slow starts. Receivers Nelson Agholor and Alshon Jeffrey could be in for big games if Foles can get time in the pocket.
Rob Gronkowski’s status is in the air after leaving the AFC Championship Game with a concussion. Without his services, New England’s offense doesn’t appear as lethal with the various play calls designed with Gronkowski in the lineup.
As for Brady, he will still find a way to hit his receivers and make critical plays regardless of who is playing.
Super Bowl LII is taking place at U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, MN.
Both the Eagles and the Patriots met in Super Bowl XXXIX. New England edged out Philadelphia, 24-21, capturing back-to-back championships. The win established a dynasty for the Patriots under the duo of Brady and head coach Bill Belichick.
Philadelphia had not seen a championship arrive in the city since 2008 when the Phillies won the World Series. Eagles’ fans would undoubtedly love to see their football team deliver one. Unless the Flyers can solve their goaltending issues, a Stanley Cup will not come anytime soon.
Prediction: Eagles 34 – Patriots 30
Next: Oakland Raiders: Keeping Bruce Irvin A No-Brainer
Fireworks can be on hand in Super Bowl LII depending on which teams decide to show up on the opening kickoff. At least the commercials and the halftime show by Justin Timberlake can hopefully provide entertainment.