Matthew Ross
It was a heck of a Super Bowl, with both sides lighting up the scoreboard. Nick Foles actually built on what he did versus the Vikings and showed up again. It was stunning. For Tom Brady, he was incredible as usual, but that one big play at the end eluded him. All in all, a great NFL betting experience during a great football season. There are a few reasons why Philly became the champs for the first time.
5 Reasons why the Eagles won Super Bowl 52
1. Doug Pederson stayed aggressive
The Eagles coach has developed a reputation for sticking to his aggressive style and he didn’t disappoint. He let Foles go deep several times in the first half and the results were strong. The Eagles never showed fear.
2. Weak Pats linebackers
Yes, Kyle Van Noy had a good game, but the Pats had no answer for Zach Ertz over the middle. They simply could not cover him. New England needs to draft high and grab at LB this spring.
3. No Malcolm Butler
For whatever reason, Bill Belichik and Matt Patricia elected not to use the clutch playoff performer. It had the analysts scratching their heads, particularly when huge chunks of yardage were given up in the passing game. Butler himself must also be puzzled. Perhaps we will never know why.
4. Eagles running game
The Patriots couldn’t really sit on pass because the running game was so incredibly effective all game long. Blount, Ajayi and Clement were all fantastic. Using three RBs also kept them all fresh. Running the ball wore down New England, it was obvious.
5. Late game strip and recovery
That was the ball game. The Eagles couldn’t get to Brady the entire game. They were close a few times and had rushed a few of his throws. But they kept coming and finally got a turnover in the final couple minutes of the ball game. It really was the difference in the game. A lot was made of Minnesota’s D, but the Eagles had the most clutch defense of the season, clearly.
Now with Carson Wentz coming back and Foles on the way out, who knows if Philly will play the same. Perhaps the defense won’t feel like they have to win the game themselves and will lose a little edge. Maybe Wentz will be rusty and cautious for prolonged periods. Tune in next fall.
Matthew Ross is a sports commentator and a radio host on TSN 690 Radio in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Follow him @MatthewWords.
