New England Patriots have had success against Jim Schwartz
By Nick Ziegler
The New England Patriots will be facing off against Jim Schwartz and the Eagles defense in Super Bowl 52. How have they done against Schwartz in the past?
In Super Bowl 52, the New England Patriots will be attempting to win back-to-back championships once again, as they will be facing the Philadelphia Eagles. As an NFC opponent, the Patriots don’t play the Eagles all too often in the regular season.
However, they have seen defenses led by their defensive coordinator in the past. Overall, the Patriots have faced off against Schwartz as either a head coach or a defensive coordinator seven times.
The most recent game against Schwartz came when he was with the Buffalo Bills in 2014. Due to the Patriots resting their starters, Schwartz and the Bills did pick a win against them that day. However, the Patriots were able to win against them earlier that season when the starters were in.
Patriots offense vs Jim Schwartz defense (as DC or HC)
— Rich Hill (@PP_Rich_Hill) January 22, 2018
2002: TEN 24; NE 7
2003: NE 38; TEN 30
2003 PO: NE 17; TEN 14
2006: NE 40; TEN 23
2010: NE 45; DET 24
2014: NE 37; BUF 22
2014 BUF 17; NE 9 (Patriots rested starters in finale)
As you can see above, the Patriots have had success against Schwartz and his defenses in the past. With the game against Buffalo a few seasons ago being the most recent, Tom Brady and the Patriots’ offense should have an idea what to expect.
This season, the Eagles were considered to be one of the best teams in the NFL. However, the injury to Carson Wentz resulted in many people instantly writing them off. Even without Wentz, the Eagles proved that they are a good team in pretty much every other aspect of the game. Especially on the defensive side of the ball.
After a very good regular season, the Eagles’ defense has really soared in the playoffs. Against a talented Falcons offense, the Eagles were able to shut them down for the most part, as they held them to under 20 points. With Matt Ryan, Julio Jones, and some other talented weapons, this was certainly an eye-opener.
Next: Ranking the 10 greatest quarterbacks in franchise history
The Patriots’ offense is one of the best in the league and few defenses have stopped them this season. Even though the Eagles have played well defensively and this season, they are going to have to score points in order to defeat New England.