The evening before the Super Bowl is always special. Greatness is recognized and achievements are rewarded with some of the most prestigious accolades in Football. For the Eagles, this night wasn’t just special because they are playing in the Super Bowl in less than 24-hours time, but because their greatness was also recognized.
The Hall of Fame:
Two former Philadelphia players were inducted into the Hall of Fame this evening. Legendary Safety Brian Dawkins and one controversial wideout who just so happened to have a remarkable 2004 campaign in which he recorded 1,200 yards and 14 touchdowns. T.O. and Dawkins had very different paths to Canton, but their talents and achievements will now be recognized forevermore.
“This is tremendous news and I could not be more proud of Brian.” Eagles Owner Jeffery Lurie stated after hearing the news. “Being inducted into the Hall of Fame is an honor he truly earned. He epitomized everything we love about the game of football. His intensity, his passion, his love of the game and his leadership were always dialed in at the highest possible level. He connected in every possible way with the city of Philadelphia and our legion of Eagles fans across the country. We cannot wait to celebrate his special night in Canton this summer.”
In 183 games as an Eagle, Brian Dawkins racked up 34 interceptions and 26 sacks, as well as forcing 36 fumbles and recovering 19. If that wasn’t impressive enough, the leader of the Eagles Defense made six Pro Bowls. He is still the only player in NFL history to attain 25 sacks, interceptions and fumbles during his career. But what stood out more about Dawkins, was his overwhelming tenacity and passion. The roars, the crawls, the brick-wall type hits. The NFL had never seen a Safety hit the way Dawkins did or indeed hit the field the way Dawkins did…and I doubt they ever will again.
“Terrell Owens is one of the most talented and exciting wide receivers ever to play the game and he is very deserving of this honor.” Lurie also went on to say. “We appreciate all of his contributions to the league and to one of the finest seasons in the history of our franchise.”
Like it or not, Owens played a key role in the Eagles championship run and with many iconic moments to his name, will now have his legacy remembered forever. However it wasn’t just stars of the past who were recognized…
THE ELECTRIC SLIDE WON A THING:
So remember that glorious Eagles rendition of the Electric Slide? No? Let me jog your memory…
Well, that was voted the NFL’s ‘celebration of the year’. Doug Pederson has encouraged his players to let their personalities show since the moment he walked in the building. It’s great to see such. trait rewarded.
Best offensive line in football:
Coming into this season, there was a consensus that this offensive front could finally overthrow Dallas. The Eagles went on to do just that and did so without Jason Peters. The ‘Built Ford Tough’ Offensive Line of the year went to the unit comprised of Lane Johnson, Brandon Brooks, Jason Kelce, Stefen Wisniewski and Halapoulivaati Vaitai after a simply dominant year. Very well deserved.
Coach of the year snub:
So, predictably, Sean McVay won Coach of the Year. It’s understandable, right? To take THAT Rams team and guide them to the playoffs is a commendable achievement for the youngest Head Coach in Football…until it’s not as commendable as what Doug Pederson did.
https://twitter.com/LiamJenkins21/status/959529274779820032
Of course, this is all subjective. But Doug Pederson overthrew Mike Zimmer AND Sean McVay during the regular season and helped the Eagles through the postseason without several key starters. Was this really ever a discussion? Pederson is the real MVP in our eyes.
Do we REALLY need to defend Carson Wentz over Tom Brady as well?
Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
