New England Patriots: 5 Dark horse Super Bowl MVP candidates

FOXBOROUGH, MA - JANUARY 21: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots celebrates a touchdown with Danny Amendola #80 in the fourth quarter against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the AFC Championship Game at Gillette Stadium on January 21, 2018 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

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FOXBOROUGH, MA – JANUARY 21: Malcolm Butler #21 of the New England Patriots reacts in the fourth quarter during the AFC Championship Game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Gillette Stadium on January 21, 2018 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

3. Malcolm Butler

Could it be that a former Patriots Super Bowl hero comes through in-the-clutch once again? While the Eagles offense has been extremely impressive through the NFC Playoffs, they haven’t faced the likeness of this tough Pats squad. If Nick Foles starts to make some errant throws on Super Bowl Sunday, don’t be surprised if Malcolm Butler is the guy who makes him pay.

The world didn’t know how much of a play-maker Butler was until he intercepted a Russell Wilson pass to clinch the Patriots fourth Lombardi Trophy; however, everyone knows how dangerous he is now.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned from watching the NFL Playoffs year after year, it’s that the same players end up making the same big plays. Not to mention, the Patriots have a chance to tie the Pittsburgh Steelers for the most Lombardi Trophies in NFL History with a win over the Eagles.

With that said, I truly believe this will be a game where one or two mistakes will cost someone the game. I know people have stopped believing in the “experience factor” in championship games, but Super Bowl LII will require just that.

Thanks to Super Bowl experience and elite play-making ability, Butler has a great opportunity to win the game’s MVP award on Sunday.

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