Super Bowl X-Factors

It's difficult to match Belichick's experience, and he's widely regarded as the best head coach currently in the NFL, if not the best ever. He has his share of offensive options to stomp on Philadelphia, so New England's game plan will be interesting.

Eagles defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz has produced one of the top and most aggressive defenses in football over the last two seasons since joining the Eagles. He will have his hands full while stopping the versatile batch of Patriots weapons on Sunday.

Both Patriots coordinators, Josh McDaniels and Matt Patricia, are set to take head coaching jobs after Sunday's game. It's not unprecedented for coordinators to have bad games in these situations, as we saw from Falcons offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan last season before he took the 49ers job. While it's distraction or otherwise, Patriots fans have some reason to be wary.

Foles played a terrific game in the NFC Championship, but his performances in Week 17 and the Divisional Round were less than stellar. His performance will likely play as big a part as anyone in determining the winner of Super Bowl LII.

You can't overlook experience heading into the Super Bowl, and the Patriots have that going for them after playing in the big game last year. Meanwhile, first-year Eagles Chris Long and LeGarrette Blount also played in the Super Bowl for New England last year.

Philadelphia's pass rush turned it on against the Vikings in the NFC Conference Championship, with strong games from Derek Barnett and Chris Long. Those players have acted as pass-rushing specialists this season, and will need to show up again in the Super Bowl to hinder Tom Brady.

Harrison hasn't been in New England for long, signing late in the year after being released by Pittsburgh. However, he's made the most of his time, getting consistent rush in his limited snaps. He's slowed down at age 39 but can still use his strength to get leverage around the edge, and Harrison could be a factor in the big game.

Gronk suffered a concussion during the AFC Championship and wouldn't have been ready for the big game without the bye. It's still far from a foregone conclusion that he will be ready for the game, and even if he's ready, Gronkowski could be rusty with all the practice time missed.

Blount has seen less work since the Eagles acquired Jay Ajayi, but he's still a major factor in short yardage situations. Added is Blount's knowledge of his former team. The carries for Blount in the Super Bowl could be few, but he could be the difference.

Hogan has returned healthy from a shoulder injury that hindered him late in the year, with three receptions and a score during the Patriots' two playoff games. When fully healthy, Hogan was Tom Brady's top wide receiver target at times this season, and he has the ability to re-emerge if the Eagles focus on New England's other options.

It's been a sub-par season for Smith after coming over from San Francisco, but his deep speed still can't be overlooked. Despite a falling average this season, Smith has averaged more than 16 yards per reception during his career. If the Patriots key in on the run, it could open up the deep game for Smith.

Acquired early in the year from Buffalo, Darby missed much of the early season with an ankle injury. He returned healthy during the second half of the season, and the cornerback has been a huge factor. During the playoffs alone, he has 14 tackles in two games and will be tasked with shutting down the Patriots' dynamic wideouts.

Amendola is playing his best ball of the year at the right time. He has 18 receptions for 196 yards and two scores during New England's two playoff games and should continue to create a mismatch in the playoffs now that Chris Hogan is healthy to take away some of the attention.

If Jenkins isn't Philadelphia's best defensive player, he's arguably their most important. He should see plenty of time covering Rob Gronkowski from his safety spot, but also gets his fair share of work in a linebacker hybrid role. If the Eagles defense prevails, Jenkins will likely be a big reason. Not to mention, he also has Super Bowl experience with New Orleans.

The Patriots running back trio of Dion Lewis, James White and Rex Burkhead regularly created mismatches as both slashing runners and receivers. They'll be another big factor for Eagles defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz to worry about.

Long has appeared in small doses, but he performed well as a pass-rushing specialist for the Eagles this season after coming over from New England. He had five sacks during the regular season and has experience – both in the Super Bowl and against the offensive linemen of his former team.

Brown is a key presence on the interior of the defensive line for the Patriots, but he's questionable for the Super Bowl due to a foot injury. If he's unable to go, that certainly creates an opportunity for Jay Ajayi and company to run up the gut.

The Eagles line is as big a reason as any why the team has made it this far. They've been arguably the most dominant unit in football this season, and have helped Jay Ajayi transition from a 3.4 yards per carry early in the year with Miami to 5.8 yards per carry in Philadelphia. If the line has their way on Sunday, the Eagles have a good chance of winning.

Often overlooked, the Eagles and Patriots return defenses have been outstanding this season. Both coordinators Dave Fipp and Joe Judge are highly regarded coordinators, though they could also have their hands full with the strength of the opposing return games.

The experience of the kickers in Super Bowl LII couldn't be more different. Stephen Gostkowski has 12 years of NFL experience and has won two Super Bowls, while Eagles kicker Jake Elliott is still in his rookie season. Elliott has been solid during the playoffs and provides no reason for Philadelphia fans to be nervous, but Patriots fans are surely more comfortable with their kicker.