Which team has the edge in Super Bowl 52? Both the Patriots and Eagles have strengths and weaknesses, but one way to figure out which team has the edge is to analyze their offense and defense.
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Super Bowl 52 Offense vs Defense Betting Analysis
New England Patriots
In the regular season, the Patriots offense averaged 28.6 points per game, which ranked them 2nd in the league this year. These numbers are despite the absence of their leading receiver, Julian Edelman, who did not play at all because of a season-ending knee injury suffered in the preseason.
Also, Tom Brady, the front-runner for the league’s MVP award, hasn’t shown any signs of slowing down despite many pundits clamoring on about his age. In fact, Brady ended the season with 4,577 yards, 32 touchdowns and just eight interceptions.
Other notables include Brandin Cooks, who was acquired from the Saints in the preseason, who ended the season with 1,082 yards and 7 touchdowns, and tight end Rob Gronkowski, probably the best tight end in the league, who finished with 1,084 yards and 8 touchdowns.
One thing to note, however, is that Gronkowski might miss the big game because of a concussion suffered in the AFC Championship game. This might give some reasons for concern over the Patriots chances of putting up points in the game.
New England Defense
The Patriots’ defense though not receiving of much respect actually was very good, holding opponents to 18.5 pints per game which was 5th in the league this year.
Despite a slew of injuries which hobbled them at some points, the defense did its job and came up big when it was needed.
Arguably, it was defense that got them through the AFC Championship game against the Jaguars.
Now, the Eagles will present a challenge to New England’s defense. Philadelphia will look to keep on changing its looks in hopes of creating opportunities to disrupt the Patriots’ game.
Not only will the D have to figure out how to rattle Foles’ cage, they’ll also have to contend with players such as tight end Zach Ertz, Alshon Jeffery, Nelson Agholor, Torrey Smith, Jay Ajayi, and Trey Burton who are all dangerous as seen in the Eagles’ defeat of the touted Vikings defense.
If New England doesn’t take heed to shore up its defense, they might end up committing such costly mistakes as those made by Vikings cornerback Terence Newman that led to a 53-yard touchdown reception or that of Trae Wayne’s botched coverage on Torrey Smith that also led to a 41-yard scoring catch.
Expect an all-out battle between safety Patrick Chung and Ertz and between Agholor and cornerback Malcolm Butler.
Philadelphia Offense
The Eagles’ offense matched up to that of New England’s with an average of 28.6 points scored per game, but, of course, this was prior to Carson Wentz’ injury.
Wentz has the Eagles’ offense working like a well-oiled machine, to the point he had already gained to most touchdown passes in the NFL with three games remaining in the regular season.
However, since Wentz’ injury backup quarterback Nick Foles has filled in to surprise everyone. Foles’ contribution to the Eagles’ win over the Vikings cannot be understated, as he went on to throw for 350 yards and three touchdowns.
Philadelphia also has a great running game that averages 132 yards per game during the regular season, led by running back LeGarrette Blount who won the Super Bowl with the Patriots last season. Blount led the Eagles with 766 yards and two touchdowns, also being the difference-maker for the team in the playoffs.
The Eagles’ offense can land the Patriots into hot water because on the surface it’s very similar to that of the Chiefs that beat them in this year’s season-opener.
Now Foles seems to have meshed perfectly to the Eagles’ multi-look offense which could be their greatest weapon to defeat the Patriots.
Philadelphia’s game fits perfectly with Foles’ strengths while minimizing his weaknesses, so expect to see them changing the looks often to keep the Pat’s defense guessing.
The Eagles spread the ball very well; in fact, three of their receivers have gained over 700 yards and eight receiving touchdowns.
Philadelphia Defense
The defense is this team’s heart and soul since Wentz’ injury and this has continued all the way up to the Super Bowl. During the regular season, the held opponents to just 18.4 points per game and to seven PPG in the playoffs, but these averages are when they’ve played at home which might be reason for concern.
Philadelphia’s defensive unit has the gargantuan task of stopping the Tom Brady led Patriots offense which is practically impossible when they’re firing on all cylinders. Time and time over, we’ve all seen how the New England offense has come back to win the day.
Eagles’ defensive coordinator, Jim Schwartz, must find a way to disrupt Brady and get him out of the pocket where there’s a better chance of slowing the Patriots advance.
If they cannot manage to rattle Brady, he will make you pay with extended plays that break down any coverage and wins games. While Brady is a master at reading plays, Schwartz is counting on his squad being aggressive and fast enough to keep Brady from doing too much damage.
Players such as Chris Long, who won a Super Bowl with the Patriots last year, and Malcolm Jenkins, will shoulder the responsibility of getting the job done on defense.
The Eagles defense should also be prepared to expect a huge battle from a Bill Belichick-coached team.
