PHILADELPHIA — Malcolm Jenkins knows all about the dynasty that is Tom Brady and the Patriots, but the Eagles safety believes his team will be more than ready when the teams meet in two weeks at Super Bowl XLII in Minneapolis.
“He’s definitely the greatest quarterback of all-time,” Jenkins said of Brady. “But that doesn’t mean he’s unbeatable. We’re trying to get to a destination. No matter who is in front us, we’re going to run through whoever it is.”
The Eagles defeated the Vikings 38-7 in Sunday’s NFC Championship game, sending Philadelphia to Super Bowl XLII in Minneapolis where they’ll face the Patriots at U.S. Bank Stadium. It will be a rematch of Super Bowl XXXIX played on Feb. 6, 2005, in Jacksonville, Fla. and won by the Patriots 24-21.
The Eagles will be the underdog, but that doesn’t bother Jenkins.
“Everything we’ve done all year has prepared us for this moment,” he said. “We’re more confident than ever that we’re not just going to the Super Bowl to feel good about making it. We’re going to win. That’s everybody’s mentality on this team.”
The Eagles like their chances because of their defense which stymied the Vikings and the improved play of quarterback Nick Foles, who threw three touchdown passes in beating Minnesota.
“He’s finally getting the reps he needs and it’s showing,” defensive end Brandon Graham said. “He’s getting more comfortable and he’s making big plays. We have two weeks to get ready and that’s going to be good for him.”
This will be the Eagles third trip to the Super Bowl and a chance to win the city’s first Vince Lombardi trophy.
“This is for the city,” said defensive end Vinny Curry. “It’s for everybody that put the hard work in on this season. It really doesn’t matter who we play. It’s not about them. It’s about us. This is a wonderful feeling.”