Thank You Eagles
Winning a Super Bowl in the NFL is never easy, but repeating in the NFL is almost impossible nowadays. The New England Patriots are the last team to repeat as Super Bowl Champions. They did it back in the 2004 season against… The Philadelphia Eagles, led by Donovan McNabb, Terrell Owens, Brian Dawkins, and Andy Reid. The Eagles team that won Super Bowl LII was arguably less talented than the team that made it to the big dance in 2004, but talent does not always equal better. Often times, teams with less talent win championships in football because they are a brotherhood. They respect one another. Everybody has great chemistry with each other. The coaches put together the perfect calls at the perfect time. Everything lines up with one another. That is what the Eagles missed this season, and that is why they are not getting ready to fly to Los Angeles to play the Rams this weekend for the right to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl. Bounces did not go their way, injuries did not go their way, calls did not go their way, and plays did not go their way. The Eagles ended their season in New Orleans in almost perfect fashion; a missed opportunity.
The Eagles had opportunities all year and blew most of them. In week 4, they gave up a 4th and 15 to a Titans team that did not have a great passing game. Three weeks later, they gave up a 17 point 4th quarter lead at home to the Panthers, a team they have dominated the last couple of seasons. Then there’s the two Dallas games. Both games the Eagles could have got themselves back into the NFC East race, but instead they were playing on the road on Wild Card Weekend, and that is only because the Bears helped them out in week 17.
You just wonder; What if? The Eagles played in one possession games 12 times this season, going 6–6 in those games. Let’s say they beat the Cowboys in Dallas, and they beat the Titans and Panthers by not blowing those opportunities. Instead of 9–7. the Eagles are 12–4, holding the number three seed in the NFC. The postseason could have been a lot different. It could have been better, or it could have been worse.
Regardless, me and Eagles fans across the globe should not be upset about this season. The Eagles took us on a fun, wild ride that culminated with the way it was meant to be. The story of the 2018 Eagles was no run game, injuries, and blowing leads late. All three happened on Sunday. Sunday was the perfect example of the 2018 Eagles.
Now, I am not here to say congrats to the Saints, nor am I here to roast Alshon Jeffery. Those things happen all the time. He did not make the play. Nine times out of 10 he makes that play. Sunday was the one time he did not. It was only his third drop of the entire season. Next time if he’s in that situation, I guarantee he will. Maybe his broken ribs did not allow him to extend his hands out as much as he wanted to.
What I am here to say is Thank You Eagles. Thank you Jeffery Lurie, our great owner who knows how to run a football team. He lets his staff do his job and lets everybody be them. I cannot thank Mr. Lurie enough for all the right decisions he has made to make the Eagles a powerhhouse in the NFC once again.
Thank you Howie Roseman. Three years ago, Eagles fans, myself included, doubted whether or not you were a good General Manager, and you proved us all wrong. The moves you have made the last two seasons to keep us in Super Bowl mode can not be overlooked. Trading a third round pick for Golden Tate, and deciding not to trade Nick Foles paid off. Foles and Tate won us the Bears game. Without them, we do not even live to see New Orleans. You made the right call on both of those.
Thank you Doug Pederson, Jim Schwartz, Mike Groh, Duce Staley, and the entire Eagles coaching staff. Doug always finds a way to push the right buttons. You could tell the players will go to war with him every single week because they love him. He brings a calming voice to the room. Three years ago, Doug Pederson was the worst head coaching hire in NFL history. Now he’s 4–1 in the playoffs with a Super Bowl ring, and a play away from being 5–0. Thank you Doug for never giving up, and thank you to all the coaches. With all the injuries we went through throughout this season, the coaches just kept coaching, and turned guys like Avonte Maddox from a backup safety to an NFL corner in eight weeks. That is coaching. That is why Jim Schwartz is a top five defensive coordinator, and why Doug Pederson is a top five head coach.
Lastly, thank you to all the players. You never gave in. You fought till the end. You left every single last inch of fight in your body out on the field. I could not be more proud. This group of players is a family, and I’ve never been more proud of a group of guys. To the ones leaving, good luck in the future. Especially to you, Nick Foles, for all the things you did for the city of Philadelphia, and for me personally, thank you. Your a great football player, and an even better person. Carson’s got the reigns back, but you will always have a special place in my heart.
Ta-Ta for now Eagles. I will see you in August. Fly Eagles Fly!!!
