You guys saw the research I did in my Fundamental thread. Philly won some categories. The Pats won some.
Three things stick out to me.
During the regular season the Pats were 3-0 SU and ATS on the road vs Playoff teams. Points 86-47. Philly was 1-1. Points 48-50.
Those were the only Playoff teams Philly played the whole regular season. The Pats, meanwhile, played seven Playoff teams during the regular season. They were 5-2 SU and ATS in those games. Pats are tested, and road tested.
Patriots have a best in the NFL net penalties per game number of +17.39. While Philly's number is -1.78.
The Pats are the most disciplined team in football. They don't beat themselves while they watch their opponents implode.
Sack differential. Over the last 8 regular season games (2nd half of the season) the Pats have a +12 sack differential while Philly is +2.
Can't tell you how many times I've read that Philly will smudge Brady. Don't think so. Their pass rush is overrated. The world should be worried about the Pats smudging Foles. He likes to put the ball on the ground when he's getting sacked. Foles fumbled the ball 6 times ( losing 2) over his last 6 games, although he only started three.
It should be noted that the Pats have all their offensive weapons healthy at the same time since way back around mid season. Brady will have all his helpers. Philly won't get to him as often as many of the pundits think. The most disciplined team, and best coached team, will buttress the best Defense (yes the Pats) and the Patriots should hoist another Trophy.
New England -4 -109 (vs Philly)
GO GOATS.
Three things stick out to me.
During the regular season the Pats were 3-0 SU and ATS on the road vs Playoff teams. Points 86-47. Philly was 1-1. Points 48-50.
Those were the only Playoff teams Philly played the whole regular season. The Pats, meanwhile, played seven Playoff teams during the regular season. They were 5-2 SU and ATS in those games. Pats are tested, and road tested.
Patriots have a best in the NFL net penalties per game number of +17.39. While Philly's number is -1.78.
The Pats are the most disciplined team in football. They don't beat themselves while they watch their opponents implode.
Sack differential. Over the last 8 regular season games (2nd half of the season) the Pats have a +12 sack differential while Philly is +2.
Can't tell you how many times I've read that Philly will smudge Brady. Don't think so. Their pass rush is overrated. The world should be worried about the Pats smudging Foles. He likes to put the ball on the ground when he's getting sacked. Foles fumbled the ball 6 times ( losing 2) over his last 6 games, although he only started three.
It should be noted that the Pats have all their offensive weapons healthy at the same time since way back around mid season. Brady will have all his helpers. Philly won't get to him as often as many of the pundits think. The most disciplined team, and best coached team, will buttress the best Defense (yes the Pats) and the Patriots should hoist another Trophy.
New England -4 -109 (vs Philly)
GO GOATS.