PASSING GAME
Tom Brady leads one of the game’s most efficient, versatile passing offenses against one of the NFL’s best secondaries. Other than Brady, the attack lacks a superstar but has its share of players capable of making big plays. David Givens emerged as a major threat with 56 catches.
Near the goal line, wideout David Patten and tight end Daniel Graham are factors with seven touchdown receptions each.
The Philadelphia secondary is led by safety Brian Dawkins, who will make life uncomfortable for the New England receivers over the middle.
Eagles cornerbacks Lito Sheppard and Sheldon Brown are in their first seasons as starters, but their inexperience rarely shows. But they haven’t faced Brady as starters before.
RUNNING GAME
Corey Dillon, acquired in an off-season trade with Cincinnati, gave New England a dominant dimension it lacked even as it won the Super Bowl a year ago. He can make big runs and drain the clock after Brady has taken control of the game.
Philadelphia must keep Dillon well below his average of 4.7 yards per carry to have a chance. The Eagles’ rushing defense has been much improved against the run in the second half of the season, not coincidentally since Jeremiah Trotter moved into the starting lineup. The Pats’ offensive line is full of solid players who can win the battle against Philadelphia’s undersized line.
KEY MATCHUP
Eagles DE Jevon Kearse vs. Patriots OT Brandon Gorin
Kearse, at left end, will be a major factor in applying pressure on Brady. The Eagles move Kearse around, but the matchup with Gorin is in their favor.
Gorin moved into the starting lineup at midseason when Tom Ashworth went on injured reserve. Kearse had 7 1/2 sacks during the regular season, but his impact was greater than that.
NEW ENGLAND’S STARTERS
QB Tom Brady: Reigning Super Bowl MVP can make all the plays.
Rb Corey Dillon: Rushed for 1,635 yards, turning a weakness into a strength.
FB Patrick Pass: Can block and catch.
WR David Givens: Could be the Pats’ next star.
WR Deion Branch: Small, tough receiver.
TE Daniel Graham: Makes plays near goal line.
LT Matt Light: Has become a solid tackle.
LG Joe Andruzzi: Blocks the run well.
C Dan Koppen: Solid, underrated blocker.
RG Stephen Neal: Run blocking is his strength.
RT Brandon Gorin: Inexperienced but learning.
PHILADELPHIA’S STARTERS
LE Jevon Kearse: Versatile pass rusher could pop up anywhere.
LT Corey Simon: Can rush the passer.
RT Darwin Walker: Says he should stuff run better.
RE Derrick Burgess: Benefits from attention paid to Kearse.
WLB Mark Simoneau: Didn’t work out at MLB, has found a home.
MLB Jeremiah Trotter: Went from bench at midseason to Pro Bowl.
SLB Dhani Jones: Small but fast.
LCB Lito Sheppard: Made Pro Bowl in first season as starter.
RCB Sheldon Brown: Doesn’t play like a first-year starter.
SS Michael Lewis: Complete safety, Pro Bowl-bound.
FS Brian Dawkins: Tough leader completes list of Eagles’ Pro Bowl players.
