Super Bowl LII live: Alan Branch amongst New England Patriots inactives

After two weeks of preparation, predictions and a little drama, the New England Patriots and Philadelphia Eagles are set to battle in Minneapolis. 

It’s here!  Tonight, the New England Patriots will look to defend their Super Bowl championship and win their sixth title in seventeen years.

Led by Nick Foles, the Philadelphia Eagles will create a challenge on both sides of the field.  More specifically, they hope to knock Tom Brady off his game with a relentless pass rush.

It won’t be easy.  There is nothing the newly crowned NFL MVP hasn’t seen.  After facing the tough defense of the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Patriots offensive line should be well prepared to give the Brady the time he needs in the pocket.

A key force the O-line will have to guard against is Fletcher Cox.  The mammoth defensive lineman can provide the pressure up the middle that generally bothers Brady.  If we hear his name too much on Sunday night, Philly will be in great position to win.

Stopping the run

On defense, the New England Patriots will have to limit old friend LeGarrette Blount and Jay Ajayi.  If they are able to do that and force Foles to win it with his arm, it could be a long night for the Eagles’ offense.

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Sure, the Eagles have prolific offensive weapons in Alshon Jeffery and Zach Ertz.  But, they will play to the Patriots’ strength and that is the secondary.  Although this unit struggled in the early part of the season, giving up historic big plays, the talent is there.  With strong play from $65 million cornerback Stephon Gilmore and veteran safety Patrick Chung, Bill Belichick’s crew will make someone else beat them.

That’s where a player like Malcolm Butler comes in.  No. 21 could make a play or two that will make him a Super Bowl hero once again.

The Gronk show

 Rob Gronkowski is looking to feast and if Tom Brady gets the time, he will feed him.  The Eagles do struggle a bit with tight ends, so it could be a humongous game for Gronk.  If he is somehow taken out of the game, players like Rex Burkhead, Chris Hogan and Phillip Dorsett could have games of their lives.

How to watch Super Bowl LII

Location: U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis

Time: 6:30 p.m. ET

TV: NBC, fubo. TV

Inactives:

Next: Patriots Super Bowl Sunday: 4 things that really make Bill Belichick smile

Prediction: With everyone predicting a close game and pulling for the Eagles, I think the Patriots get their sixth Super Bowl victory.  Nick Foles will turn back into Nick Foles at crucial times in the game and the Patriots will take advantage winning this game 38-17.