On The Beat: 5 questions with Philadelphia writer Jeff McLane

Welcome back to “5 Questions,” where we chat with a writer who covers the other team to get a better feel for the Patriots’ opponent. For the Eagles, we talked with Jeff McLane, who writes about the Eagles for the Philadelphia Inquirer. Check out his work here, and his Twitter feed here.




1. How has Philadelphia been able to win with Nick Foles as opposed to Carson Wentz?

The Eagles have simplified the offense marginally. They've had more run-pass balance. They've motioned more and given Foles more time pre-snap to read defenses.

2. Is there a member of the Eagles who might be classified as an under-the-radar type who has a chance to make a big impact on Sunday?

I'd say Corey Clement. He's primarily been the Eagles' third-down back, but he's explosive when he runs and he can catch and break tackles out of the backfield. Oh, and he has a knack for finding the end zone.

3. Is there an area of the Philadelphia defense you expect the Patriots to try and attack?

I think they will attack Fletcher Cox. And when I say that, I don't mean they plan to "expose" him. There is no exposing Cox. He'll probably be the best defensive player on the field. But Bill Belichick will certainly have a plan for slowing the defensive tackle. And I imagine it will constitute double teams, chips and running away from the him.

4. What part of the Eagles defense do you think the New England offense might be able to exploit?

The cornerbacks. Jalen Mills and Ronald Darby are solid, but they can be inconsistent. The Eagles typically play an even split between man and zone coverage. They can't possibly play more zone than man and expect Tom Brady not to pick them apart. They're also susceptible to double moves.

5. The Eagles win Sunday if…

...their pass rush pressures Brady, if they force him to pat the ball more than once, if they collapse the pocket and force him to move.

Jeff's Pick

Belichick has been a master at making his coaching counterparts look less than competent in the Super Bowl. Doug Pederson has had a phenomenal season, but will the moment overwhelm him? I don't think so. I think the Eagles' advantage on both lines of scrimmage will be the difference.

Eagles 27, Patriots 23