4 Reasons Why the New England Patriots Will Win Super Bowl LII
The Patriots Defense Is Underrated
The Patriots' defense ended the season ranked as the league's fourth-worst unit, per our schedule-adjusted metrics. However, while their season-long statistics look dismal, they played much better in the second half.
Remember during the first half of the season when every quarterback was lighting up their secondary? The first six quarterbacks to face the Patriots all threw for at least 300 yards, but since Week 7, not one quarterback has reached that number.
As you follow the Patriots throughout the season, you've surely heard the old adage that "the Patriots game plan take away an opponent's best weapon." Well that proved to be true over the past few weeks, as New England stymied the running games of both the Jaguars and Titans, two teams that ranked inside the top nine in rushing efficiency, per numberFire metrics.
The Patriots held both of those teams to well below their season averages in rushing.
| Team | Season Rushing Average Per Game | Playoff Rushing Production |
|---|---|---|
| Jacksonville | 141.4 | 101 |
| Tennessee | 114.6 | 65 |
The Eagles have made a commitment to the running game in each of their past two games, running on nearly 50 percent of offensive plays. If the Patriots are successful in slowing Jay Ajayi and LeGarrette Blount, it'll be up to Foles to carry the offense, but no passer has tagged the Patriots pass defense for a big game since Jay Cutler threw for three touchdowns in Week 14.
