By: Matthew Cunha
The dreaded two weeks layoff between the AFC Championship game and the Super Bowl is almost over. Here are the top storylines to keep an eye on just days before the big game.
The Injury Status of Rob Gronkowski – Gronk is on the record saying that he will be ready to go on Sunday. He has been present at practices this week but still needs to pass the league’s concussion protocol before Sunday’s game.
The Eagles DLine vs the Pats OLine – Without Carson Wentz, the strength of the Eagles moves over to the defensive side. Vinny Curry, Fletcher Cox, Brandon Graham and Chris Long can bring pressure up the middle on Tom Brady. If the Eagles win the Super Bowl, that is the battle that will deraythe Patriots. Historically, up the middle has been the way to get to Brady
Old Friend LeGarrette Blount – Something I don’t think getting enough attention is that LeGarrette Blount is on the Eagles. Last year, he ran for 18 TD’s and over 1000 yards for the Patriots. This season with the Eagles, he only managed under 800 yards and two TD’s in a talented group of running backs. Blount loved the Patriots and will look to seek revenge on the squad who let him go and may add some hints for the Eagles against an unfamiliar opponent.
Stephon Gilmore Vs Alshon Jeffery – Gilmore was paid top dollar this offseason by coach Bill Belichick. In the beginning of the season, with the team 2-2, many already considered him a bust. Gilmore did rebound for a decent rest of the season but fans did not take notice until Gilmore made a pass deflection in the AFC Championship in a late 4th down play by the Jaguars. He will be matched up vs the Eagles talented fellow offseason acquisition Alshon Jeffery. Jeffrey went for 85 yards and two scores vs the Vikings. Both of these guys will want to prove they were worth being signed and should see a lot of each other 1 on 1.
TB12’s Blitz for 6 – Tom Brady is the greatest to ever throw the pigskin. The 6th Super Bowl for Brady would end all doubt. Especially if the quarterback is heroic as he was in previous Super Bowl’s
