Ex-Patriots Chris Long and LeGarrette Blount leading Eagles' Super Bowl charge

PHILADELPHIA -- One year ago running back LeGarrette Blount and defensive end Chris Long hoisted the Vince Lombardi Trophy aloft at NRG Stadium in Houston was members of the New England Patriots, and find themselves in the unique position of facing their former team in the Super Bowl one year later but this time as key contributors to the Eagles' magical season.

After all, it was Long who stripped Jared Goff late in the fourth quarter of a Week 14 43-35 win over the Los Angeles Rams when franchise quarterback Carson Wentz was lost for the season. Then, in the first quarter of Sunday's 38-7 NFC Championship victory over the Vikings, Long tipped quarterback Case Keenum's arm just enough to disrupt a pass that cornerback Patrick Robinson returned for a touchdown that changed the tide of the game.

After donating his 16 game checks during the regular season to charity, Long has become as an instrumental a leadership voice in the Eagles' locker room as he is integral component to defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz's defensive end rotation.

True to form, Long says that he holds no grudges despite not being brought back by Belichick and the Patriots.

"It's a blessing," Long said. "I know that I waited a decade to play in the playoffs, and we have some guys that have never felt this feeling of playing on this stage, or having this opportunity. I keep saying, there's about 100 dudes playing football still at this time of year, in the world. That's something that you're very lucky to be a part of."

Eagles' Brandon Graham has chip on his shoulder

Meanwhile, Blount rather unselfishly went from being the Eagles' feature back to being part of a backfield committee along with Jay Ajayi who was acquired in a trade deadline deal with the Miami Dolphins back on Oct. 31.

Blount has the Eagles' only two rushing touchdowns of the postseason, which followed a 766 yard and two touchdown regular season.

The Eagles signed Blount deep into free agency after the Patriots did not make an offer to retain him despite the fact that he set career highs with 299 carries for 1,161 yards and 18 touchdowns in 2016.

Unlike Ajayi, who says that he is fueled by the chance to avenge the Dolphins' decision to cast him aside, Blount says he holds no grudges against his former team or teammates.

"What redemption is it?" Blount said Sunday night, when asked if he feels he has a chance to redeem himself in the Super Bowl? "I don't care that [they didn't bring me back]. I'm on a team that's going to go to the same game that they're about to go to.

"I came here for the chance to do something special, and we're doing it. We've had a long season. We lost warriors on the way, but we kept grinding, and pushed through it."

Matt Lombardo may be reached at MLombardo@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @MattLombardoPHL.

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