Are the 76ers next?
Words could not express the disappointment Eagles fans are feeling over a week after the Eagles' 38-35 Super Bowl loss. I have truly been avoiding this post, because it was a gut-wrenching loss. What a season. Philly has never seen such a good team before, and they just couldn't win in the Super Bowl. They won 14 of their 17 games in the season, but when it really mattered, in the Super Bowl, they couldn't win. The Chiefs took the Lombardi trophy as Nick Sirianni, Jalen Hurts, Jason Kelce, C.J. Gardner Johnson, A.J. Brown and Haason Reddick could only watch at just how close they had come.
Now I guess there are two routes I could go with this post. I could gripe, complain, and whine about some pretty controversial reffing, or just acknowledge that the Chiefs are a good team. I am a Philly fan, and I'm from Philly, so I think I'll whine and complain. But actually seriously, the Eagles had the game. They had it. But then, James Bradberry was called for a holding penalty, which basically gave the Chiefs more time to burn away. Kansas City played smart football. They drained the clock to the last seconds, which was a big-brain move from Andy Reid, but a seemingly cruel move to us Eagles fans. That play was detrimental to the Eagles hopes, and the Chiefs ran away with the 38-35 Super Bowl victory.
A Jalen Hurts fumble led to a Nick Bolton touchdown on a fumble recovery. KaDarius Toney had a monstrous 65 yard punt return, which set up a touchdown. Patrick Mahomes threw three touchdowns, two to the flat. Tight end roll plays where tight ends pretend to be blockers and slip out to the perimeter are destroying NFL defenses, and the Chiefs used that to their advantage. Kansas City continually pounded Philly in the game, and the Eagles didn't retaliate enough.
That being said, the Chief's defense didn't really to much to stop Jalen Hurts, and it was actually mostly the Eagles who found ways to stop their own team. Philly managed 417 total yards of offense, and Hurts went all out. He scrambled for three, and threw a 45 yard bomb to A.J. Brown. He also dashed into the paint for a two point conversion. Hurts basically lived in the end zone, but after a Kansas City field goal, the Eagles could not manage the championship.
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| A.J. Brown's huge catch was a highlight of the game and gives hope for an Eagles Super Bowl return |
The defensive line, which was supposed to be a huge X factor, but both lines kept quiet. Philly allowed two sacks but both were with Jalen Hurts scampering out of bounds. Patrick Mahomes wasn't sacked at all. The team who thrashed opposing offensive lines with 70 sacks this year, couldn't get home when it really mattered.
The game was so disappointing because season was so good. DeVonta Smith's production was supposed to be restricted with the arrival of A.J. Brown, but actually, it only got better. He boosted his numbers in every major stat category, grabbing 95 receptions, seven for touchdowns, and 1,196 yards. And A.J. Brown shows promise because he is A.J. Brown. The defensive line is still monstrous, but the offensive line is aging. Jason Kelce is on the brink of retirement, and its hard to tell how many more playoffs they will have with him as their center. They drafted Cam Jurgens last year with that it mind, but no one can replace any Kelce. They also prepared for Fletcher Cox's retirement by drafting Jordan Davis. And they also strengthened their defense with the addition of Nakobe Dean. This was a great opportunity, but they weren't able to walk away with the Lombardi trophy.
That being said, the Eagles are the third major Philadelphia team to lose their championship this season. The Union and the Phillies lost their championships on the same day. The Flyers don't really seem to be ready for a championship, but the 76ers definitely look ready for the playoffs. Alright everyone, buy your conference champions 76ers merch, and finals tickets in advance, because the 76ers are heading for the NBA finals! (But just a heads up, they won't win.)
The above photo was taken from a Sporting News article. Photographer not given on page. Article written by Kevin Skiver. Image used for commentary.
Well told, well told. But keep hope alive!
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed reading your blog this morning. Sorry about Philly’s loss, maybe next year!
ReplyDeleteI will be routing for the Eagles next year as long as the Falcons aren’t playing against them. I am from Gainesville GA and will be hoping they both have a great season!