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Super Bowl Predictions from NFL Legends


Jesse Sapolu #61 of the San Francisco 49ers.

Like every year I asked several NFL legends, past and present, who they think is going to win the Super Bowl and why their pick is going to be victorious. Here is what they had to say:

Akeem Spence (defensive tackle with the Detroit Lions): “The New England Patriots win again for sure this time.”

Hillary Butler (former linebacker with the Seattle Seahawks): “I am not going against [Tom] Brady anymore. The New England Patriots give him number 6.”

Jesse Sapolu (former center and four-time Super Bowl champion with the San Francisco 49ers): “In my heart I want the Philadelphia Eagles to win, but it's hard to overcome Championship pedigree. New England Patriots win 31-21.”

Tony Coats (former offensive lineman with the Cincinnati Bengals): “The 2018 Super Bowl between the Philadelphia Eagles and New England Patriots isn't the easiest to predict.

After a strange season in which teams such as the Jacksonville Jaguars looked like serious contenders while usual suspects such as the Denver Broncos and Green Bay Packers were pretty much absent.

Tom Brady and the Patriots continue to justify dynasty status, while the Eagles hit the big game in Minnesota without an MVP favorite under center but a team that has bullied its way through the tougher conference. Patriots 28 Eagles 21.”

Evan Moore (former tight end with the Cleveland Browns): “I think Philadelphia’s front-four will disrupt [Tom] Brady and that offense. Front-four pressure is a nightmare for an Offensive Coordinator. Schematically the Patriots defense is tough, but personnel-wise not so much. [Nick] Foles and Eagles’ Run-Pass Option system, and Patriots’ lack of pass rushers, will be the deciding factor. Eagles win 28-23.”

Tom McManus (former linebacker with the Jacksonville Jaguars): “New England Patriots win 21-13.”

Noah Burr (former defensive back with the New York Jets): “I hate to say it but the Patriots are going to win. Philadelphia’s defense will put up a near shutout through the first half, then give up 3 points at the end of the second quarter. After that it’s going to be all Patriots scoring as the Eagles tire out.”

Derrick Deese (former left tackle and Super Bowl champion with the San Francisco 49ers): “I am going with the Patriots. I don’t think the Eagles will be able to hit [Tom] Brady enough to rattle him.”

Reggie Givens (former linebacker and special teams captain with the San Francisco 49ers): “My prediction for Super Bowl 52 Philadelphia vs New England. The game is broken up into three phases: Offense, defense and special teams.

Offensively, New England’s lack of a consistent running attack will prove costly against Philadelphia’s defense while Philly's run game with [Jay] Ajayi and [LeGarrette] Blount will take a physical toll on New England.

Defensively, Philadelphia’s defense will put timely pressure on [Tom] Brady. The Eagles match up well with New England’s receivers including [Rob] Gronkowski. The Patriots will find it difficult to cover Philadelphia’s TE [Zach] Ertz. This phase goes the Eagles.

Special Teams on each side will be under a lot of pressure. Both the Patriots and Eagles kickers will get a lot of work. There's no favorite in this phase.

Conclusion: New England’s defense will do well early but will succumb to the Eagles two headed ground-and-pound attack in the fourth quarter. Even with Brady heroics, it will prove not enough. Final Score: Eagles 20 Patriots 13.”

Brandon Williams (former cornerback with the Cincinnati Bengals): “I’m excited about this game. The Eagles have a defense that definitely can keep up with the Patriots’ offense. That defense and fire power on offense reminds me of the New England vs New York Super Bowls: Good defensive line, veteran defensive players, a run game, and the ability to score. All things that equal playoff wins.

That being said, it’s tough to bet against [Tom] Brady. One of my greatest sports memories as a player is a come-from-behind win in the Orange Bowl led by this guy, so I’ve been watching those fourth quarter wins for a long time. As much as I would love seeing a team like the Eagles and their fans win a Super Bowl I just can’t pick against New England and feel comfortable.

New England 30 Philadelphia 28.

I have a feeling both quarterbacks will have successful final drives and the game will come down to someone’s kicker.

P.S. Part of me would still love to see Philly win for Brandon Graham and Jason Avant, two Michigan men that have bled Eagle blood since they stepped into the league.”

Blogger’s prediction: After QB Carson Wentz’ season-ending injury in week 14 Philadelphia’s dream of winning the Super Bowl looked at risk, but here they are on the biggest stage in football. Backup QB Nick Foles must have used the rest of the season as a warmup for the playoffs as he was very much in control against the Atlanta Falcons and the Minnesota Vikings.

The Patriots were their usual selves and kept the pretenders to the throne at bay. They beat the Tennessee Titans with a superior offense and matched Jacksonville’s defense in the AFC Championship game. Needless to say, QB Tom Brady is still playing at an MVP level.

In 2004, the Eagles beat the Vikings and Falcons in the playoffs to reach Super Bowl XXXIX, where they wound up losing to the Patriots 24-21. Most believe there will be a similar outcome in 2018. I think Super Bowl LII will be a one-possession game at the final two minute warning. The Patriots defend a lead and are close to their sixth Super Bowl win but Philadelphia will come from behind and hoist the Vince Lombardi trophy for the first time in franchise history. The Super Bowl MVP award will go to Nick Foles.

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