On Sunday, the Philadelphia Eagles immortalized themselves by dethroning the Patriots for the organization’s first Super Bowl championship(!!!!!!!!). The victory snapped a 58 year football championship drought in Philly and seems to be the start of a new dynasty. Super Bowl LII was one for the history books, especially for Eagles fans, and is deserving of an award ceremony of sorts. So without any further ado, here are the Eagles Super Bowl LII Award winners:
Next Man Up Award Winner: QB Nick Foles
The Next Man Up award goes to none other than Nicholas Edward Foles for his mind boggling performance in the playoffs. In replacement of Carson Wentz, Foles has been stellar, and continued that trend in Super Bowl LII. The 6’6 signal caller was absolutely surgical Sunday night against the Patriots. Foles shredded the Pats defense to the tune of 373 passing yards and 4 total TDs- while completing 65% of his passes. He was pinpoint accurate the entire game and his performance made many forget he was even a backup quarterback. You couldn’t script a better game for Foles, and he’s a huge reason the Eagles are world champions right now.
Super Bowl LII MVP: HC Doug Pederson
Nick Foles may have been awarded the SB MVP award Sunday night, but if coaches were qualified to win, I believe Pederson should have definitely been the choice. Pederson’s savvy play calling kept Pats DC Matt Patricia flustered the entire night, and his aggressiveness was not lost on the big stage, as he orchestrated the Eagles to a 41 point game. Not only did Pederson call the best game of his career, but he sent a strong message to his team by remaining aggressive on fourth down.
When Pederson decided to leave his offense on the field on fourth and goal with just 38 seconds left in the first half, he sent a message to his team that they weren’t going to back down from the Patriots or let them dictate the game. The aggressive play and willingness to roll the dice on fourth down is what got them to the SB, and they were going to continue to play that brand of football in the SB. The trick play (don’t worry, I’ll get to that later) he called for a touchdown further instilled confidence in the offense and made the players feel that the aura of the Pats dynasty was not too much to overcome.
Pederson would later go for it on fourth down again. This time with the game potentially on the line. Down one point with just over five minutes remaining, the Eagles found themselves in a tough spot at 4th and 1 on their own 40 yard line. The aggressive coach decided to forego punting the ball and once again left his offense on the field. Foles responded by delivering a strike to Zach Ertz for the biggest first down of the game. The poise of the entire offense on this play was no doubt a result of Doug’s confidence in them earlier in the game, and that’s something the box score simply doesn’t reflect. Dougie P takes home the honor of being my unofficial MVP, as he was the primary catalyst in the Eagles first Super Bowl victory.
“?Smile, you’re on a poster!” Award Winner: WR Alshon Jeffery
Alshon Jeffery was a huge reason the Eagles offense was so dominant, as he reeled in 3 catches for 73 yards and a score. His second catch of the game, however, is easily the most memorable. Jeffery completely Moss’d former Eagles corner Eric Rowe in the back of the endzone for the first touchdown of the game. The catch was absolutely insane and got every Eagles fan from Philly to Tokyo hype and on their feet:
Alshon Jeffery turns 50/50 balls into 80/20 balls, exceptional body control, strong hands and times his leap perfectly to snatch this 36-yard touchdown at the catch point over Rowe. Great throw from Foles as well! pic.twitter.com/m0kUWMoaSE
— Kansas More Chaints (@AdrianFedkiw) February 6, 2018
These are the kind of plays Eagles fans envisioned from #17 when the team signed him last offseason, and it was great to see him exhibit that kind of explosiveness in the Super Bowl.
Here’s a still photo of the absurd play for your viewing pleasures:
#CatchRadius
WWE Superstar Award Winner: S Rodney McLeod
Early in the second quarter Brandin Cooks attempted to hurdle McLeod in pursuit of the endzone, which was quickly proven unwise. McLeod did his best Batista impersonation as he power bombed Cooks onto the field.
The great tackle on 3rd down by Rodney McLeod on Brandin Cooks https://t.co/XUrGh9zX5M
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) February 5, 2018
“It’s a no for me, big dawg” – Rodney McLeod, probably.
Weapon X Award Winner: S Malcolm Jenkins
Not to be outdone by his fellow safety, Jenkins did some hard hitting of his own, and once again Brandin Cooks was the victim. Jenkins has frequently been compared to Pro Football HOFer Brian Dawkins for his inspiring pre/post game speeches and leadership, but on Sunday night Jenkins reflected the on field persona of Dawkins- Weapon X. After Ronald Darby allowed a deep completion to Brandin Cooks, Malcolm Jenkins chased him down to ensure Cooks didn’t gain any additional yardage. And, man, did he ever ensure that he didn’t:
Malcolm Jenkins just ROCKED Brandin Cooks… woah. pic.twitter.com/Ba8VnR4cJU
— LeadingNFL (@LeadingNFL) February 5, 2018
Jenkins completely annihilated Cooks with a hit that would make B Dawk proud, and for that he receives the Weapon X award.
Sweet, Sweet Revenge Award Winner: RB LeGarrette Blount
After being lowballed in free agency after a SB run with the Patriots last offseason, Blount signed a one-year deal with the Eagles. Fast forward nine months later and Blount is once again in the SB, this time facing off against New England. There was obviously no love lost, as Blount ran all over the Patriots defense. The bruising back punished the defense en route to a 90 yard game and a score. Blount got sweet, sweet revenge in his payback performance, so it’s only right he takes home the award too.
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Home Run Hitter- RB Corey Clement
Corey Clement was simply electric on Sunday night. It seemed as if every time he touched the ball it was for a big gain. The explosive back caught four passes for a whopping 100 yards, and finished as the Eagles leading receiver. Not too shabby for an undrafted rookie. Clement was also responsible for me nearly getting kicked out of the bar for attempting to run through every wall in the area after he stiff armed the soul out of Duron Harmon:
Show up in Madison, Wisconsin
Show out in the #SuperBowl
“GET. OFF. ME.” @CoreyClement_6 #OnWisconsin || #SBLIIhttps://t.co/H8WxJI1Rwu
— Wisconsin Football (@BadgerFootball) February 5, 2018
After flashing his power in the previous quarter, Clement showed he can be light on his feet with a little toe drag action on his touchdown reception:
I HAVENT SEEN A CATCH THIS GOOD BY A COREY SINCE TOPANGA! – @Nate13Burleson @CoreyClement_6 @gmfb #FlyEaglesFly pic.twitter.com/A7GtkQDJ48
— Eagles Real Talk (@EaglesRealTalk_) February 6, 2018
Clement should have a strong hold on the Eagles third-down back role moving forward.
Play of the Game: Philly Special
There may have been more impactful plays than Nick Foles’ TD reception as the Eagles were already leading 15-12 and could have settled for a field goal at the time it occurred- but there was not a more memorable or exciting play than the Philly Special. I’m sure everyone reading this has seen the play a dozen or more times but here is the mic’d up planning and execution of the play:
.@NFoles_9 made the call, made the touchdown and made history. #PhillySpecial
Watch more @NFLFilms highlights on the #InsideTheNFL finale TONIGHT 9PM ET/PT on Showtime.@Eagles #SBLII #FlyEaglesFly #Eagles pic.twitter.com/jIDrfeYpVW
— Inside the NFL (@insidetheNFL) February 6, 2018
This play made fans erupt- whether it was with joy or anger depends on the fan base- and even inspired one fan to get it tattooed on him:
https://twitter.com/PhiladelphiaSN/status/960588774806835200
Legendary call. Legendary play.
It’s My Party and I’ll cry if I want to Award Winner: Philadelphia Eagles Fans
The Eagles snapped one of the longest title droughts in pro sports to cap off one of the most improbable playoff runs in history. The Eagles were listed as the underdog in all three postseason games this year, and had to rely on their backup quarterback to claim the Super Bowl championship that had been eluding them for years. The fans, players, and front office have been starving for a title since 1960, and wanted nothing more than to see the Eagles dethrone the Patriots. So, when the potential game tying pass from Tom Brady fell incomplete, it comes as no surprise that hundreds of fans were moved to tears- including myself:
Love yall man pic.twitter.com/EYsM9stabU
— Jay (@JustJalyn_) February 5, 2018
Videos poured in from all across the country of Eagles fans shedding tears
of joy for their beloved Birds, and I believe that’s worthy of this award.
Instant Classic Award: Super Bowl LII
Super Bowl LII was an absolutely roller coaster of a game. Both teams high octane offenses were on full display as they battled back and forth. The game broke several NFL records, including:
? Most combined total yards in ANY NFL game (1,151 yards)
? Patriots 33 points are the most scored by a losing team in a SB ?¯\_(?)_/¯
? Eagles become the first team to win a SB despite allowing over 600 yards of total offense
? Nick Foles became the first QB to record 350+ yards and 3 TDs in consecutive postseason weeks
? Eagles win their first Super Bowl in franchise history
The game was highly entertaining from the first whistle to the last, and I’m glad I was able to witness such a historic game. The Eagles winning their first title along with all the records set solidifies this Super Bowl as an instant classic.
Mandatory Credit: Kirt Dozier-USA TODAY Sports
