The New England Patriots' Keys to Victory in Super Bowl LII

Super Bowl LII will be played this Sunday.  The Philadelphia Eagles take on the New England Patriots.  The Patriots are looking to add a 6th Super Bowl victory.  Here are the keys for a New England triumph.

It all starts with quarterback Tom Brady.  Brady is one of the best quarterbacks in the game and is able to find his receivers.  The offensive line needs to give him time to throw.  If Brady is hit, it disrupts his timing.  The New England offensive line has performed well in the playoffs allowing only 3 sacks.  The problem is they are letting Brady get smacked with 11 quarterback hits.  If Brady starts to feel the rush, he throws more quickly than he wants to, increasing the likelihood of overthrows and interceptions that change field position.

New England must protect the football and not turn it over.  The Patriots are protecting the football well.  They have only one turnover so far in the playoffs - a fumble in the AFC Championship Game.  The Eagles defense has 2 interceptions.  If the Patriots turn the ball over, the Eagles will have a short field and added possessions that could swing the outcome.

The way New England prevails in this game is 3rd downs on offense and defense.  New England's offense has to convert 3rd downs in order to keep the Eagles offense off the field while tiring out their defense.  The Pats can control the game; they have converted 48% of their 3rd downs in the postseason.

On the other hand, the Eagles' offense converted 59% of their 3rd downs.  The Patriots need to stop the Eagles on 3rd down.  If they do, the ball goes back to Brady for him to drive down the field.

The Pats can win the game in the red zone.  This team can march up and down the field.  Once they are in the red zone, touchdowns are a must.  They can’t settle for field goals or turn the ball over so deep in Eagles' territory.  Field goals by the Pats spell victory for the Eagles.

The Patriots have more Super Bowl experience than the Eagles.  If they play their game, the Lombardi Trophy comes back to New England.  Kickoff for Super Bowl LII is Sunday at 6:30 p.m., Eastern Time.

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