Iggles Blitz

by Tommy Lawlor

More Super Bowl Talk

Posted February 9th, 2025 | Comments Off on More Super Bowl Talk

It is finally gameday. I think the Eagles beat the Commanders about six months ago. Or at least it seems like that. It is good to have two weeks between the games for the sake of health and rest, but that is a long time to wait for the Super Bowl. Well, the waiting is over.

The Athletic offered up their predictions on the game. Most favored KC, but I thought this was really interesting.

The Ravens played every AFC playoff team and several of the NFC postseason squads, and there was a widely-held belief in the locker room that the Eagles were the best team they played all year. It’s tough to go against Andy Reid, Steve Spagnuolo and Patrick Mahomes in a big game. It’s even tougher to pick the Chiefs’ opponent in a one-score affair. However, I think the Eagles are the better and more balanced team. They can control this game at the line of scrimmage with Saquon Barkley and their running attack. — Jeff Zrebiec, Ravens beat writer

The Ravens have played a lot of good teams this year so that comment is worth noting. The Eagles are pretty confident in themselves.

It is hard to call the Eagles underrated when they’ve been near the top of most power rankings since mid-October. But it still feels like people don’t appreciate just how good this team is. They have won 15 of their last 16 games. The only loss came when the starting QB had to leave with a concussion and even then they would have won that game if not for a dropped pass.

The Eagles pass defense is built more on coverage than rush. I think this is the first time in my life I can say that. There were some great secondaries in the 2000-2008 range, but this is different. The players play with a cohesion that even those units didn’t. And this time it is the back seven and not just the secondary. To help appreciate the coverage and concepts, here is a great video.

It will be interesting to see how this group does against Reid and Mahomes. They will give up some yards. They just need to make some key plays in key moments for the Eagles to be able to win.

One of the key players is CJGJ. Olivia Reiner wrote a terrific story on him.

CJGJ was the best defender back in Super Bowl LVII. Hopefully he will have that same intensity and physicality today. He has harnessed his energy and emotions since the ejection in Washington. CJGJ still plays with an edge, but he’s able to keep it under control. My only concern with him is the Chiefs targeting him in the red zone. He’s struggled in man coverage in the red zone at times this season.

Tyler Dunne wrote an interesting piece on the Eagles adding Jalen Carter and CJGJ. Both had questions. Some saw them as risky additions. But both players have turned out to be key parts of the number one defense in the league.

If you want some high quality instant analysis, here you go.

I have no idea if Fiona has a strong track record. But I’ve never had a hippo steer me wrong before so Fiona has my full confidence and I appreciate her picking the Birds.

The big storyline for KC is them trying to three-peat. That is compelling since it would be history. There is the possibility Travis Kelce could retire if they win. There aren’t a lot of good stories beyond that, partially because the Chiefs have won a lot in recent years.

The Eagles are full of great storylines. Brandon Graham has come back from an in-season injury and could be playing his last game. Nick Sirianni would silence all of his critics for at least a week or two. Vic Fangio returned to his hometown and would have his first ring. There are a ton of different Jalen Hurts angles to cover. Howie Roseman would cement a place in NFL history with his second SB win. The Eagles OL is always a compelling story. Jeremiah Trotter Jr would be winning the title that his father never got.

Zack Baun would complete one of the wildest seasons in a long time and would do it in the stadium he played in before signing with the Eagles. From role player to star. From mediocre teams to world champion. This season has been quite the whirlwind for him.

And of course, Saquon.

Mr. 2K has given us a lifetime of memories in just six months. It would be great if he could finish off the best ever season by a RB with a great performance in the Super Bowl.

Give us a special ending to a special season.

*****

Here is the preview I wrote on Saturday.

*****

If you are worried about the Kellen Moore situation being a possible distraction, it sounds like he has handled this well and is doing things the right way.

The Eagles learned from the Gannon fiasco.

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