Earlier this week, former Eagles linebackers coach Steve Spagnuolo accused the Patriots of stealing the Eagles' signals in Super Bowl XXXIX. On Thursday, Spagnuolo joined Ordway, Merloni & Fauria to clear up his comments and spoke about facing Tom Brady in the Super Bowl. To hear the complete interview, visit the Ordway, Merloni & Fauria audio on demand page.
Making an appearance on 97.5 the Fanatic in Philadelphia on Monday, Spagnuolo spoke to the Patriots' ability to steal signals.
"When you go back and look at that tape, it was evident to us" said Spagnuolo. "We believe that Tom knew when we were pressuring him because he certainly got the ball out pretty quick."
Spagnuolo stopped by OMF's table on Radio Row on Thursday to clarify what he meant.
"It is not illegal to get signals," started Spagnuolo. "It is not illegal to do that. So for anybody to slap cheater on that, please. I was commenting on what we needed to do differently from one Super Bowl to the next."
Added Spagnuolo: "He [Brady] gathers information because he's a smart football player and he uses the cadence. But again, it's not illegal for someone to get a head start."
Spagnuolo, who also beat the Patriots in the Super Bowl as the Giants' defensive coordinator in 2007, elaborated on facing Brady in the Super Bowl and what the Eagles defense needs to do to defeat the Patriots.
"I don't know if there are any keys. I have too much respect for Tom. I think he's the greatest quarterback to ever play the game," said Spagnuolo. "I think the Eagles are built in a way that they have been able to generate some pretty quick pressure with just four and that leaves seven guys to cover. … I think they're built to have some success. You know it's one thing to be built to do it, but it's another thing to go out there and do it on the big stage."
Spagnuolo also said that complicating matters for any team facing the Patriots is their ability to come from behind in a short amount of time.
"When the Patriots are down by two possessions, it's a tie score," Spagnuolo said. "When you're up by two possessions on them, if you get there, it's just a tie game. You have to get way out in front… It's Tom Brady, it's a two-minute drill and every player on defense knows what's coming. You've got to have 11 guys that say it's a faceless opponent over there, I don't know who that guy is and let's keep doing what we do."
The Patriots and Eagles will meet Sunday night in Super Bowl LII, and you can hear the game on WEEI 93.7 FM.
