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New England Patriots: 4 biggest advantages over Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LII

By Kenneth Teape

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - JANUARY 31: Philadelphia Eagles and New England Patriots mascots are seen onstage before the JoJo Siwa performs at Nickelodeon at the Super Bowl Expereince during NFL Play 60 Kids Day on January 31, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Mike Coppola/Getty Images for Nickelodeon)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - JANUARY 31: Philadelphia Eagles and New England Patriots mascots are seen onstage before the JoJo Siwa performs at Nickelodeon at the Super Bowl Expereince during NFL Play 60 Kids Day on January 31, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Mike Coppola/Getty Images for Nickelodeon) /
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New England Patriots: 4 biggest advantages over Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LII
EDEN PRAIRIE, MN – FEBRUARY 02: Rob Gronkowski #87 of the New England Patriots warms up during the New England Patriots practice on February 2, 2018 at Winter Park in Eden Prairie, Minnesota.The New England Patriots will play the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LII on February 4. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

Tight End Rob Gronkowski

Rob Gronkowski was a major topic of discussion throughout the two weeks leading up to the Super Bowl. The concussion that he suffered against the Jaguars left him limited throughout practices, but he was cleared and removed from the final injury report. As a result, he represents the No. 3 biggest advantage that the Patriots have.

This is no disrespect to Eagles tight end Zach Ertz. He is a great player and a reliable target for the Eagles. Ertz also is good in run blocking. However, this comes down more to the team’s abilities to defend the tight end.

The Patriots and Eagles are very similar when it comes to production by opposing tight ends. The Patriots allowed 74 receptions for 720 yards and five touchdowns. The Eagles allowed 73 receptions for 745 yards and five touchdowns. However, there was a difference in how those statistics were accumulated.

The Patriots were consistent throughout the season. The most yardage a tight end amassed against them was in Week 17 by Neal Sterling. The Eagles, on the other hand, gave up monster games to Travis Kelce, Jordan Reed and Evan Engram.

Gronkowski is the best tight end in the NFL. Expect the Patriots to try and feed him early and often as the Eagles are susceptible to big games by tight ends.

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