A shortened summary of the first link: "If the Eagles offense has a game plan that can penetrate the New England defense, it will show immediately. The Eagles averaged 7.4 yards per play in the first quarter; no other offense in the league, including Indianapolis, averaged more than seven. The average NFL team had five turnovers in the first quarter this season; the Eagles had only one. But the Patriots had the league’s best first quarter defense, allowing only 5.0 yards per play with a league-high 11 takeaways. "So by the end of the first quarter, it should become clear whether we’re headed for a close contest or a New England rout. The Eagles have used an early lead to dictate strategy all season, so it is difficult to imagine them winning if their first two or three drives are unsuccessful."
posted by yerfatma at 12:17 PM on February 04, 2005
A shortened summary of the first link: "If the Eagles offense has a game plan that can penetrate the New England defense, it will show immediately. The Eagles averaged 7.4 yards per play in the first quarter; no other offense in the league, including Indianapolis, averaged more than seven. The average NFL team had five turnovers in the first quarter this season; the Eagles had only one. But the Patriots had the league’s best first quarter defense, allowing only 5.0 yards per play with a league-high 11 takeaways. "So by the end of the first quarter, it should become clear whether we’re headed for a close contest or a New England rout. The Eagles have used an early lead to dictate strategy all season, so it is difficult to imagine them winning if their first two or three drives are unsuccessful."