Niner Noise
FanSided

Super Bowl LII: Breaking down the top 5 matchups to watch

By Jay Marsdale

FOXBORO, MA - DECEMBER 06: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots communicates at the line of scrimmage during the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Gillette Stadium on December 6, 2015 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
FOXBORO, MA - DECEMBER 06: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots communicates at the line of scrimmage during the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Gillette Stadium on December 6, 2015 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 5
Next
PHILADELPHIA, PA – JANUARY 21: Alshon Jeffery #17 of the Philadelphia Eagles celebrates after scoring a 53 yard touchdown reception during the second quarter against the Minnesota Vikings during their NFC Championship game at Lincoln Financial Field on January 21, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA – JANUARY 21: Alshon Jeffery #17 of the Philadelphia Eagles celebrates after scoring a 53 yard touchdown reception during the second quarter against the Minnesota Vikings during their NFC Championship game at Lincoln Financial Field on January 21, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) /

No. 2: WR Alshon Jeffery (PHI) vs. CB Malcolm Butler (NE)

Nick Foles needs all the help he can get from the players around him on the Eagles offense. His No. 1 target and biggest threat is wide receiver Alshon Jeffery. He will be going up against one of the premier corners in the NFL in Malcolm Butler. This matchup will be a struggle all game long.

Jeffery is a nightmare to cover because of his rare combination of speed and size. Jeffery has enjoyed his first season in Philadelphia and has found himself back into the role of a top receiver in the NFL.

However, this was all done with Carson Wentz at quarterback, not Foles. Jeffery and Foles have been determined to develop as much chemistry as possible throughout the postseason. There just hasn’t been a ton of time for them to truly jell. Will the trust between receiver and quarterback be there when the game is on the line?

The Eagles and their fans have to hope so.

Another wrench to throw at this QB/WR duo is having to go up against Butler. Everyone remembers Butler for his infamous game-winning interception to beat the Seahawks in Super Bowl XLIX. Since that time, Butler has made a name for himself as a lockdown defender for the Patriots.

In a head-to-head comparison, Jeffery is a physical mismatch for Butler. Jeffery is both bigger and faster, but that has never stopped Butler before. He is going to make Jeffery earn every yard he gains in Super Bowl LII. This is going to be a fun individual matchup to watch as the game progresses.