This became probably the greatest Super Bowl in the history of the NFL. A real David vs. Goliath contest was to take place in Minneapolis. Two number one seeds, but one clear favourite. Was it to be another title for New England, or were Philadelphia to have their first Super Bowl victory?





The Build-Up

All the talk in the build up to this one was about the quarter-backs. On one hand we had a five-time Super Bowl Champion looking to claim a sixth title in 17 years. On the other, a back-up revitalising his NFL career on the verge of pulling off the unlikeliest of championship wins.

Everything in seemed to be teetering towards a comfortable Patriots win. Belichick has been there and done it before. Doug Pederson was coaching in high school just a few years, and is now dueling against the greatest coach to grace the game.

Prior to the Vikings/Eagles, I would have said that the Patriots would steam-roll Philadelphia, but that demolishing of the Vikings gave a new lease of life to the match-up.





Pre-match

It was clear even just by the team introductions who had reached this stage before. The Patriots ran onto the field at Minneapolis focused. This was business, not a getaway. They hadn't done anything yet worth celebrating.

The Eagles ran out like first timers. Simply happy to be there; soaking up the atmosphere. Neither is wrong. People get themselves ready in different ways. Getting pumped and zoning everything out. Which was going to win out on this occasion?

Pink came out and got the crowd going with a cracking rendition of the American National Anthem. There are plenty of pleasantries that have to be completed prior to kick-off in this American epic. Even the coin toss becomes an event at Super Bowl as army veterans came out to be honoured and toss - more throw - the coin to decide how this game would begin.





First-half

And it would be Gostowski to kick the ball away to the Philadelphia Eagles kick returner, Clement, to begin this one.

An impressive opening drive from Philadelphia finished with Jake Elliot scoring a 25-yard FG. It gave a clear idea of how the Eagles were going to play this match. Nick Foles was going to play to his strengths - short, accurate passes - and the thunderstorm at running back was going to bulldoze it's way through the d-line - courtesy of Blount and, London-born, Jay Ajayi.

In response, the Patriots seemed to march up the field as convincingly as the Eagles. But, like the Eagles, they were unable to convert from within the 20-yard line. 3-3 after one drive each.

But Foles managed to almost repeat his magic from two weeks ago and threw a long touchdown to Jeffery; stunning the Patriots supporters into silence. Jake Elliot couldn't convert on the point after attempt, leaving the Eagles just six points in front with a few minutes left of the first quarter.

The Pats finished the first quarter with a big throw down field from Tom Brady, whilst being under severe from the Eagles defence. However, as Elliott missed the PAT on the Eagles touchdown, Gostowski missed a simple field goal to cut the lead in half.

The Patriots still looked relaxed in the second quarter, even if they came out of a couple of drives with no more points. A trick play resulting in a drop by Tom Brady, who had moved out of the pocket to a receiver role, and an attempt on fourth down could be seen a desperation or pure belief in their abilities.

But the lack of points scored on their drives proved costly as the next Philadelphia drive saw Blount power through the Patriots defence to build a 12 point lead, spiking the ball in anger as he scored against his former side. Although, they were unable to convert a two-point conversion.

The Eagles game plan was obvious. Put pressure on Tom Brady. They made it hard for him to complete plays, especially on third down, leaving New England to finish their drive with another FG. 15-6.

It was about time New England made a play on defence, and almost on cue, Harmon there to do just that. As Foles attempted another throw down field, Alshon Jeffery popped the ball up and Harmon was able to claim the ball, unchallenged, and kill off the Eagles attack.

This felt like a change in momentum as the Patriots, partly thanks to a holding penalty, confidently moved the chains with some big passing and running plays, finally seeing that ball cross into the end zone for a first touchdown of Super Bowl LII to the five-time champions! However, we found ourselves with a third touchdown of the match with no point after as Gostowski missed another kick.

Patriots red zone defence seem to be holding up well again, until the Eagles came up with something very special on fourth and goal. A trick play, similar to that of the Patriots earlier in the quarter, saw Foles find himself open in the end zone to convert a big Super Bowl play.

Half-time: 22-12. Over 600 total yards between the two teams, but it was all down to that third down efficiency, which the Patriots were lacking.





Half-time

The show was performed by the one and only Justin Timberlake. This wasn't Timberlake's first half-time show, performing twice previously. You may recall a certain incident with Janet Jackson last time around. Yeah, something he'd like us all to forget.

Unfortunately for Timberlake, his Janet Jackson wardrobe malfunction will still be the first thing that springs to everyone's mind when asked about Justin Timberlake and half-time shows.

His performance, although good for a standard solo concert, seemed to lack something that would make it stand out in a Super Bowl match. It seemed as if we were constantly waiting for something to happen.

The Prince tribute, no matter how emotional it was, was far too short. I think we were all expecting something a bit extra for the someone as special as Prince.













Second-half

The Patriots started the second half like they started the fourth quarter in last year's comeback win against the Falcons. Gronk had the quietest first-half, but the first drive was the Gronk Show as he was involved in almost every play, including the eventual touchdown. Within just a couple of minutes of the second-half beginning, we were down to a three point game.

The Eagles responded with another couple of brilliantly throws by Nick Foles. However, the drive was overshadowed by a controversial call on a touchdown 'caught' by Corey Clement. The Eagles running back caught the ball in the end zone, but the ball appeared to move in his arm, which would argue that he did not have possession, according to the NFL's rather bizarre rules. Despite this, the official's ruled it a touchdown, effectively ending all those Patriots/referee memes.

This game was turning into an offensive shoot out as the Patriots made it three drives between the two teams in the second half, and three touchdowns. The defences both came into this game with great records, but there seemed to be nothing the Eagles could do about Brady on this drive. Chris Hogan stepped up for the injured Brandin Cooks on this drive and, if the last belonged to Gronk, this belonged to Hogan. 29-26 with plenty of the game to go.

It felt like a long time ago since Philadelphia had a drive that didn't result in a touchdown, so it was about time New England made a stop on defence. This was that drive as the Eagles were forced into a 41-yard field goal, which they duly scored. 6 points in it at the start of the fourth quarter.

This Patriots team was rolling in the second-half, and another touchdown was to follow. A strong push down field with some well crafted plays was finished by a classic Gronk touchdown. Man-to-man, he was far too big to be covered in the end zone. The Patriots had their first lead of the night. 33-32.

If the Eagles were to go on to lose this game, it would not be without showing bravery and confidence. Consistently going for it on fourth down and going for the jugular, something the Jaguars were criticised for not doing in the AFC Championship game.

And the Eagles would be rewarded for their bold football as they squeezed in another touchdown with just 2:21 left in the game. Another disputed touchdown though as Ertz appeared to lose control of the ball as he dived for the end zone, but, deemed a runner, the ruling stood. A missed 2-point conversation left the Eagles just 5 points up.

The play of the game was to happen in the most important drive. A strip-sack saw Brady lose possession of the ball and the Eagles recover. The first turnover of the game with just a couple of minutes left. The Eagles game to lose.

Philadelphia managed to waste the time perfectly and move themselves 8 points clear of the defending champions. 65 seconds for New England and Tom Brady to save the game.

It came down to a Hail Mary attempt from Tom Brady. The clock ran to zero as the ball bobbled off several hands in the end zone, before falling to the ground. Game over. Philadelphia Eagles are Super Bowl champions for the first time in franchise history.





Post-match

Nick Foles, the man who until mid-Decemeber was nothing but a back-up QB, claimed Super Bowl MVP. This was arguably the greatest Super Bowl in history. A shootout from the start. Just the one sack. Just the one punt. This was the game if anyone needed an introduction to the NFL to watch. This game had the most combined total yards of any game in NFL history, both regular season and post season.

Both offences were on fire. Simply mesmerising to watch two teams just go at each other and not be afraid. It was a game of waiting for that first big play on defence, it just so happened that that play occurred with just a few minutes left in the Patriots half.

The Patriots may have lost, but the dynasty is still strong. Don't be surprised if we're sat here in a year with the Patriots competing for another Super Bowl.

Whichever team won, the quarter-back was surely going to be named MVP. Tom Brady finished on the losing team and still finished with the most yards ever thrown in a Super Bowl, surpassing the record he set during last year's comeback win. With stats like that, it's hard to see how the Patriots didn't win this.

But this year belongs to the Eagles. The team seemed to be in turmoil as Carson Wentz went down with an ACL tear. But the team didn't panic and showed complete faith in Nick Foles. The greatest legend in Philadelphia since Rocky.









The NFL Season

And now another season is over. This was exciting from start to finish. We had surprise teams have both successful seasons and ones falling short of expectation - Giants anyone?

Going into the last couple of weeks of the regular season, there were a good eight to ten teams that could make realistic cases for a run at the Super Bowl.

We had the emergence of some fantastic young talents, all of which will continue to make names for themselves in the coming years - Deshaun Watson and Alvin Kamara to name but two.

We lost some big players to injury this year, which unfortunately tainted many teams' season. Teams such as the Packers and Texans appeared to be on a strong march to the play-offs, but both lost their inform QBs and subsequently had their seasons fall away.

Arguably, this was the best, most competitive season that I have had the pleasure of enjoying in my short time watching the NFL. I can only hope that the wait will be worth it for the 2018 season! And praying that my fantasy football team climbs into some sort of play-offs next year!













What were your thoughts on this year's thrilling Super Bowl? What are your highlights from the NFL season as a whole? Share and comment.



