For the second time in three seasons, the Philadelphia Eagles are headed to the Super Bowl. They dominated their rivals, the Washington Commanders, setting a NFC Championship record with 55 points. Now, they’re off to New Orleans to chase their second Lombardi Trophy in seven years.
So, how did they get here? Here are the top reasons the Eagles are making a Super Bowl run:
1. Big Moves Paying Off
The Eagles made a splash last offseason by signing former New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley. He exceeded expectations, rushing for over 2,000 yards in the regular season and showcasing his breakaway speed in the playoffs.
2. Jalen Hurts Steps Up
Quarterback Jalen Hurts may not always have the perfect pass, but he shines when it counts. Against the Commanders, he showed precise ball placement and has only one turnover in his last seven playoff games since 2022. He’s also a powerhouse as a rusher and his calm demeanor boosts the entire team.
3. Strong Offensive Line
The Eagles boast one of the best offensive lines in the NFL. Stars like Jordan Mailata and Lane Johnson anchor the tackles, while Cam Jurgens and Landon Dickerson provide solid support on the inside, even when injuries arise.
4. Coaching Matters
Head coach Nick Sirianni has transformed the locker room from a chaotic environment into a cohesive unit. Players respect his authenticity and this has fostered a strong bond, leading to success on the field.
5. Toughened Defense
New defensive coordinator Vic Fangio brought a physical edge to the Eagles’ defense. His expertise has revitalized a unit that struggled in previous seasons. Now, they excel at creating turnovers when they have the lead.
6. Rookie Contributions
Fangio’s defense has benefited from impressive rookie performances. Top draft picks Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean have shown poise and skill in key positions, making crucial plays from the secondary.
7. Dynamic Receivers
While their ground game is impressive, the Eagles’ passing threats are also deadly. A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, and Dallas Goedert are all standout playmakers. Brown excels in contested catches, Smith runs precise routes, and Goedert frequently breaks tackles.
8. Smart Offseason Additions
General Manager Howie Roseman had a great offseason. Besides Barkley, he signed linebacker Zack Baun, who has been excellent on defense. Mekhi Becton has rejuvenated his career on the offensive line, and safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson brings undeniable energy.
9. Resilience Under Pressure
This Eagles team knows how to handle challenges. Key players like Hurts and Sirianni have experienced difficult playoff losses but have bounced back stronger, showing true grit in tough playoff battles.
10. Home Advantage
The Eagles maintained home-field advantage in the playoffs, which is no small feat. Their enthusiastic fans create a challenging atmosphere for opponents, and it’s been a critical factor in their success.
The Eagles will face the Chiefs in the Super Bowl on February 9 in New Orleans. Exciting times lie ahead for the Eagles and their fans!
