BIG GAME PREVIEW | MATCHUPS
Who Has the Edge On D?
H
igh-flying offenses
will likely be the
topic of discussion
heading into Super
Bowl LII, but it’s the
underrated defenses
that may well get
the last laugh.
Some of the most memora-
ble Super Bowl contests have
featured unbelievable defen-
sive play — whether it be
James Harrison’s 100-yard
interception return in
Pittsburgh’s Super Bowl XLII
victory or Malcolm Butler’s
goal line interception just a few
years ago to help New England
beat Seattle in Super Bowl
XLIX.
Who will be the defensive
star this year?
PHILADELPHIA DEFENSE
Defensive coordinator Jim
Schwartz had a tall task in
2017, especially during the
final quarter of the season.
Once MVP candidate Carson
Wentz was lost for the year on
offense, Philadelphia turned to
its defense for consistent play.
Defensive tackle Fletcher
Cox and safety Malcolm
Jenkins — the Eagles Pro Bowl
picks — shouldered the bur-
den and helped turn in an
impressive playoff perfor-
mance.
Philadelphia has allowed
only 33 points total in its past
four games, including 17
points through two postseason
TECH. SGT. AARON OELRICH / WIKIMEDIA / CREATIVE COMMONS
contests. The Eagles forced
three against Minnesota in the
NFC title game and will look
for a similar performance to
unseat New England.
Other players to watch:
Defensive end Brandon
Graham had an outstanding
season, and cornerbacks
Ronald Darby and Jalen Mills
have been consistently strong,
shutting down big-play wide
receivers.
NEW ENGLAND DEFENSE the Patriots ranked 29th in
victory.
Patriots defensive coordina- total defense — they came up
Linebackers Kyle Van Noy
tor Matt Patricia is likely
big in the playoffs on their way and James Harrison have been
coaching his last game as a
to the team’s 10th Super Bowl solid at pressuring opposing
Patriot, as it has been
appearance.
quarterbacks, while the sec-
announced he will take over
New England’s team defense ondary lead by safety Devin
the Detroit Lions head coach
approach shined in the sec-
McCourty has held its own
job in 2018. Patricia has been a ond half of its win over
against big-time quarterbacks.
Jacksonville in the AFC cham-
master of building solid
The unit will have to be
pionship game. The Patriots
defenses without a lot of star
strong against Foles and the
stifled the Jaguars’ offense in
power.
Eagles, which have shown a
the final 30 minutes of the
While 2017 wasn’t the best
consistent ability to light up
defensive unit of his career — game to advance with a 24-20 the scoreboard.
2018 BIG GAME pg 7