5 Super Bowl LII X-Factors for the Eagles and Patriots

Patriots Running Backs Out of the Backfield

White's 14-catch, 16-target, 110-yard, 1-touchdown showing during last year's Super Bowl was crucial in New England's comeback over the Falcons. He could be a vital cog again this Sunday.

In terms of Target Success Rate, the Eagles rank 22nd against running backs since Week 12, per our metrics. They're 26th on the full season.

Against the rush? The Eagles rank first in per-carry Rushing NEP and in Rushing Success Rate allowed to running backs this season. (They're still top-four in both since Week 12.) So that all boils down to the Eagles being stout against the rush but beatable by running back receptions.

The Patriots' running backs accounted for 66.67 Reception NEP this season, fourth-most of any running back group in the league.

It's worth noting that, offensively, the Patriots rank top-two in Rushing NEP per carry added and in Success Rate this season, so they can still move the ball on the ground. But going around the defensive line with passes to running backs should treat the Pats well.

Plus, White isn't the only back to who can do damage out of the backfield. Dion Lewis owns a 16.49% target market share over the team's past five games, and Rex Burkhead returned to action in the AFC Championship, despite playing just three snaps. Burkhead ranked 14th among 54 backs with at least 30 targets this season in our Reception NEP per catch metric.