Some hard-hitting big-J #journalism right here. #Patriots’ David Andrews on whether it helps to have practiced against former teammate Chris Long: pic.twitter.com/7MkQF0L7SG
— Matt Dolloff (@mattdolloff) January 30, 2018
You might think that the Patriots offensive line could benefit from some added familiarity with former teammate Chris Long. But in classic Pats fashion, center David Andrews wouldn’t quite go there.
Andrews practiced regularly against Long in the defensive end’s only season in New England. And now, in Super Bowl LII, he faces his ex-teammate again – as Long suits up for the Philadelphia Eagles instead.
But when asked if he thinks there’s anything he could use to his advantage on Sunday from practicing against Long, Andrews told 98.5 The Sports Hub that his time sharing a uniform with him won’t matter when they take the field.
“I don’t think there’s any heightened advantage like that,” said Andrews. “I think it’s just really going to come down to our preparation this week and executing on Sunday. Chris is a good player, he does a lot of things well, and he’s been doing it a long time now. He’s a great player and it’ll be a good challenge.”
Chris Long of the Philadelphia Eagles walks of the field after his teams win over the Minnesota Vikings in the NFC Championship game at Lincoln Financial Field on January 21, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Philadelphia Eagles defeated the Minnesota Vikings 38-7. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
Along with LeGarrette Blount, Long has a chance to beat his former team on Sunday in what would be a rare feat. Only five players in NFL history have won back-to-back Super Bowls with two different clubs. Coincidentally, Brandon Browner was the last one to do it when he won with the Seahawks and Patriots in 2013-14.
It’s hard to believe that the Patriots wouldn’t at least have some kind of extra knowledge on Long for their Eagles prep. But by the same token, Long probably has some solid intel of his own. In any event, the matchup of the Eagles’ defensive line against Andrews and the Patriots’ offensive line will be one of the key matchups of the game.
— By Matt Dolloff, 985TheSportsHub.com
Matt Dolloff is a digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Have a news tip, question, or comment for Matt? Follow him on Twitter @mattdolloff or email him at matthew.dolloff@bbgi.com.