James Harrison arrived in his new team with a chip on his shoulder ten miles high. There was no team better to take him in than the New England Patriots. On Sunday, he returned the favor by wreaking havoc on the Jacksonville Jaguars and proving to be a key cog to push his team back to the Super Bowl. They may have won without him on Sunday, but his key plays at the end of the game ensured a victory for the most consistently dominant team in the NFL.

Just another day at the office for Harrison and the Patriots.

Harrison produces

The onus wasn't on Harrison to lead the Patriots defense like he did in his prime with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Instead, he simply needed to be a solid contributor and occasional motivator. He found his path to victory in the run defense, where he stuffed the Jaguars on three tackles.The Jaguars averages 3.2 yards per rush, which could be seen as keeping that potent running game in check. He also applied consistent pressure on Jaguars quarterback Blake Bortles.

After the game, the veteran spoke to the NFL Network about what it meant to make the Super Bowl with the Patriots. He claimed that it felt good to make it back to the big game. He also commended the team's ability to turn around the game in the second half, both on the offensive and defensive side of the ball.

Now that the AFC Championship Game is taken care of, Harrison can resume the quest to add a third Super Bowl ring to his trophy case.

Patriots open as heavy favorites

After the Patriots survived the Jaguars, the Philadelphia Eagles ran right over the Minnesota Vikings to set up a rematch of the 2005 Super Bowl. The defending champions are the heaviest favorite along the Vegas betting lines since 2009.

That should come as no surprise: New England has the best quarterback of all-time in Tom Brady, while the Eagles have a backup quarterback in Nick Foles due to the injury to sophomore sensation Carson Wentz.

Philadelphia may have one advantage, though: defense. Harrison can get to the passer, but the Eagles can do that too with plenty of ferocity.

Just ask Case Keenum, who was badgered into two interceptions (including a pick-six) and a fumble on Sunday. The Patriots, on the other hand, have one of their worst defenses in the past two decades of unbridled stability and success.

Harrison is going to need to hit the gym for the next two weeks. He needs to lead New England's defensive charge next Sunday in Minnesota.
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