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. With Bill Belichick being one of the most brilliant minds in the sport, here are four things to watch when the Eagles have the football.
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1. Miles Sanders vs. Dont’a Hightower
The Eagles need a big game out of Sanders and if this season has been any indication, it’ll likely happen in the passing game. The Patriots are stout on defense but can be had with the right formations or matchups. Sanders on any of the Patriots linebackers makes for a matchup that favors the Eagles. In the running game, if Jordan Howard can’t play, look for the Eagles put Sanders in positive situations as a runner, especially after the Ravens averaged 5.96 yards-per-attempt on the ground in their win over New England.
2. Patriots defense vs. Eagles TE Zach Ertz
Belichick is one of the best in history at taking away an opposing team’s best player. That player for the Eagles is Zach Ertz, especially after his nine catches, for 103 yards and a touchdown in the win over the Bears. Ertz is averaging over 11 yards per catch right now and will likely draw the attention of Patriots cornerback Stephon Gilmore, an All-Pro.
3.Eagles LT Jason Peters vs. Patriots Pass Rushers
Peters hasn’t played since Week 6, and it was revealed that he had arthroscopic knee surgery while out. Eagles brass made it clear that Peters would get his job back when he returned, despite the positive play of rookie left tackle, Andre Dillard. Peters will have his hands full with the Patriots Jamie Collins and Kyle Van Noy. If he struggles, there could be calls for Dillard’s return to the lineup.
4. Carson Wentz 3rd down vs. Bill Belichick 3rd down
Both teams are among the best in the sport on third downs. The Eagles have converted first downs on 60 of 124 plays (48.4%) on 3rd down this season — 3rd best in NFL. The current league average is 39% per Inside Edge.
For New England, they have allowed a third-down conversion rate of 18.9% this season-best in the NFL. Something will give on Sunday.
