When the Eagles won the Super Bowl in 2017, they did so because, as Jeffery Lurie said, they were a very close unit and worked hard for each other.
If the Eagles are going to return to the Super Bowl again, or at least on a deep playoff run, how they work and connect off the field is just as important as what happens on it. Especially in the early days of camp.
Speaking to reporters at Davonta Smith’s Charity Softball Game, both Dallas Goedert and Avonte Maddox explained the importance of not only players being by Smith’s side during his charity event, but also in terms of the team hanging out together.
“I think it makes the team closer. Just in everything you do, if you’re closer to the person, it’s easier to compete against them, and it’s easier to play for them. With my relationship with Avonte, I’m going to give a little bit more on the field, because I care for him. Football is the ultimate team game so I feel like the closest teams have a slight edge.” said Goedert.
Maddox also agreed that the importance of teamwork is key, especially for his position group in the secondary.
“We can take it as far as we want. We have to all take care of our fundamentals. Whatever play JG calls we have to go and execute it. For me, wherever I am on the field, I got to make sure I give my all, and dedicating all my time and energy to my teammates.“
Those moments of spending time together and attending events off-the-field has already shown over the last few months.
Jalen Hurts, Darius Slay, AJ Brown, Brandon Graham, Landon Dickerson, DeVonta Smith, and Dallas Goedert among others, went to go see the Celtics in the Eastern Conference Finals a few weeks ago.
Others were seen spotted at Philadelphia 76ers games as well during their postseason run.
When it comes to leadership and team work though, the quarterback is usually at the forefront of that debate. A physically gifted quarterback who does not have the leadership intangibles may be out the door in a few years for a player who might be less physically gifted, but possesses the necessary qualities of the position off-the-field.
All the qualities that the Eagles have in Jalen Hurts has now.
It’s clear that the Eagles chemistry is strong as long as they have Jalen Hurts on the team.
“From the moment he stepped in, he was a great leader, hard worker and none of that is going to change. He took command of the team as soon as he stepped in the building and that is going to continue. ” Goedert explained to reporters.
As long as the Eagles continue to grow as a unit both on and off the field, they will continue to grow the chemistry needed and found in all Super Bowl winning teams.
Photo by Andy Lewis/Icon Sportswire
