This week we offer some thoughts while wondering if fans were convinced after Super Bowl I that Vince Lombardi's power sweep was the only path to success …
*The Eagles dominance in the Super Bowl cannot be overstated. Philly was better in every facet of the game, whether it be up front along both lines, their skilled position players or in coverage. Yet, the main takeaway we've heard is all about the big guys at the line of scrimmage.
Philly boasts the best offensive line in football, and its defensive line might be even better. Given the impressive beatdown of the Chiefs, it's now become fashionable to insist that title teams must be built in the trenches.
This comes after similar declarations of needing a franchise quarterback to win, or a true No. 1 wideout, or a running game or … you get the idea. The truth is the Eagles roster is loaded and is about much more than their exceptional line play. A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith beat the Chiefs coverage all evening, and that was without the production that Saquon Barkley usually provides. Meanwhile, the Eagles secondary blanketed the Chiefs pass catchers until the game was well out of hand. It's true that Patrick Mahomes was badgered by the Eagles pass rush, but he was awful from the start and had very few open options to turn to. Darius Slay and Quinyon Mitchell were simply better than the guys they were covering, and Mahomes didn't have time to find other options.
So, while it's true that Philly's dominance started up front, it went much deeper than that. It was about a balanced roster that held an edge over its Chiefs counterparts in virtually every area – but the only ones that seem to be getting much attention are the big guys up front.
*With regard to the talented roster put together by Eagles GM Howie Roseman, it's worth noting that not every key player was a high-profile addition. Roseman has certainly drafted well over the years, replacing longtime center Jason Kelce with 2022 second-round pick Cam Jurgens as an example. But he also made some shrewd, under-the-radar free agent additions that can be just as important.
Roseman signed offensive lineman Mekhi Becton and linebacker Zach Baun to one-year deals and watched them both flourish. Becton, a former Jets first-round pick who has battled injuries, moved from tackle to guard and excelled while Baun went from edge rusher/special teamer in New Orleans to an All-Pro off-ball linebacker in Philly. Baun was finalist for Defensive Player of the Year and made numerous plays throughout the Eagles playoff run.
Those are the types of moves the Patriots made routinely under Bill Belichick. The former coach often looked at disappointing first-rounders and brought them in for fresh starts. Some like Robert Gallery and Johnathan Sullivan never panned out, but others like Donte' Stallworth, Aqib Talib and Corey Dillon (a former second-rounder) resurrected their careers. And modest free agents were commonplace as well, including none other than the new coach, Mike Vrabel, back in 2001.
*Interesting to see Troy Brown hook on with the Giants as an offensive assistant as part of the league's Minority Coaching Fellowship program. The Patriots Hall of Famer spent three seasons coaching wide receivers under Belichick and transitioned to a role in skill development with kick and punt returners last year under Jerod Mayo. Along those lines, Matt Patricia accepted a position to become defensive coordinator at Ohio State after spending the bulk of the past 20 years in the NFL.
*Also interesting to see the variety scenarios many of the pundits are predicting when it comes to the top of the draft. Obviously, quarterbacks will have a huge say in how things unfold as an argument could be made for each of the top three – Tennessee, Cleveland, New York Giants – taking one. But the uncertainty surrounding Miami's Cam Ward and Colorado's Shedeur Sanders and their worthiness of such lofty picks has led to the wide variety of opinions. The Patriots hope one or both are selected ahead of them, opening up the possibility of the best player being available. In my view, that would be Penn State's Abdul Carter, who could help jumpstart New England's dormant pass rush.
*Assuming Carter is not available (a likely assumption at this point), trading down would be an intriguing option. Adding an additional pick(s) would have value, and as long as the move down isn't too great it should allow Vrabel & Co. the opportunity to select a tackle such as LSU's Will Campbell. Stockpiling picks while also filling glaring needs seems like a win-win.
*The window for teams to use the franchise and transition tags officially opens Tuesday and runs through March 4. Patriots fans will have an eye on Cincinnati to see if the Bengals use the tag on wide receiver Tee Higgins. Various reports indicate that will be the case if the sides can't agree on a long-term extension. Higgins was franchised a year ago and would likely balk at signing the tender, which could lead to a trade under that scenario. Higgins is considered the top wideout on the free agent market.
*If you're looking for a great way to relive the glory of the 2004 Patriots then check out Mike Dussault's "Yes, it's a Dynasty" podcast. The first installment dropped on Monday and is filled with interviews from many of the key figures from arguably the greatest team in franchise history. Lots of behind-the-scenes stories and memories are included.
Mail Call
Assuming you could win a past Super Bowl in exchange for losing a past Super Bowl would you:
Trade 28-3 for 2007?
Trade Malcolm Butler SB XLIX for 2011?
Trade 2004 vs the Eagles for 2017 vs the Eagles? – David Gregory
The only one I'd even think about is the first option. It would be hard not to trade any of the others for an unbeaten season, which would be considered the greatest team of all time. Finishing off the 2007 season with a 19th victory would have cemented the Patriots as the single greatest team ever, and I would trade any of the titles for that one. Butler's pick to win the Seattle game was not only the single greatest play in Super Bowl history (my opinion) but it also kicked off the second part of the dynasty after Tom Brady and the Patriots had been frustrated time and time again prior to that. And the 2004 team might very well represent the greatest team in franchise history. So, no way I'd be willing to give that one up.
Would you be willing to trade down two or more times in the first round? How far down would be acceptable to you? – David Brown
A lot would depend on the compensation the Patriots would be getting in return, and how the board is expected to unfold. If a team was desperate to move up and gave New England several picks to swap spots, then that would make some sense. At the same time, you don't want to forfeit the chance to take a talented player who could help immediately. So, if Will Campbell is the target, you don't want to jeopardize losing him by trading too far down. Definitely interested in trading down to add some picks but it requires something substantial in return as well as being able to still get the player you want.
DISCLAIMER: The views and thoughts expressed in this article are those of the writer and don't necessarily reflect those of the organization. Read Full Disclaimer
