The Philadelphia Eagles and New England Patriots will square off Sunday afternoon at Lincoln Financial Field in a Super Bowl LII rematch and a huge contest that could go a long way towards solidifying the Birds playoff chances.
It’ll be the first and possibly the last matchup between Carson Wentz and Tom Brady.
Here are matchups to watch:
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Patriots WR Julian Edelman vs. Eagles CB Avonte Maddox
Maddox has looked good in his return from injury and it comes just in time for him to tangle with the Patriots star in the slot. Edelman has 63 catches for 663 yards and four touchdowns so far this season and can be a matchup nightmare for opposing secondaries.
Eagles DE Derek Barnett vs. Patriots LT Marshall Newhouse
The Patriots offensive line has been a weakness at times and the Eagles top priority will b putting an immense amount of pressure on Brady. Derek Barnett and Brandon Graham could make life difficult for Marshall Newhouse on the edge all afternoon.
Tom Brady vs. Jim Schwartz
The Eagles increase in defensive production can be directly linked to the team increasing how much they blitz opposing quarterbacks.
Schwartz has sent five or more rushers on 31% of the snaps since October, allowing the teams’ pressure and sack rate to increase as well. the Eagles have collected more sacks and their pressure rate has shot up. Opponents’ points per game have dropped as well.
Tom Brady has struggled when pressured, only completing 34 percent of his passes, per Pro Football Focus.
Sony Michel-James White vs. Nate Gerry-Kamu Grugier-Hill
The Patriots are 23rd in the NFL in rushing yards (836 yards) and averaging 3.3 yards per rush attempt which is 30th in the NFL. The Eagles are one of the best against the run and are 2-3 when they allow 75 yards or more rushing and 3-1 when they hold opponents to less than 70 yards rushing in a game.
Linebacker’s Kamu Grugier-Hill and Nate Gerry will play a huge role in containing Sony Michel and more important, James White.
