The Philadelphia Eagles were painstakingly close to winning a second Super Bowl ring in five years, but it just wasn’t to be. But as I sit here at 3:50AM in the UK, wondering whether or not it’s time to listen to Taylor Swift’s latest album and finish this bottle of wine, my head is spinning with thoughts on the game, just like I’m sure yours is. So, in an attempt to try and make the loss feel somewhat tolerable going into what promises to be a bleak Monday morning, here are my 5 instant thoughts on the loss.
Jalen hurts is HIM
You couldn’t have dreamed up a more perfect game from Jalen Hurts. I mean, sure, you could retract the freak fumble, but Jalen hurts was exceptional on Sunday. He rushed for more yards than any other QB in Super Bowl history, was the first QB to rush for 3 touchdowns in Super Bowl history, and was the first player to throw for 2 touchdowns and rush for 1 in Super Bowl history.
Somehow that doesn’t even do the 24-year-old justice.
Hurts played the game of his life when the lights shined brightest. No stage too big, no moment too large, no adversity too overwhelming. His composure was visible both on the field and on the sideline. Whether it was his unwavering trust in his wideouts, or comforting Isaac Seumalo after a penalty kickstarted a sloppy and decisive offensive drive, Hurts was, and is, the heart and soul of that team.
When it comes to a contract extension, just give him a blank piece of paper, tell him to write whatever number he wants, and then sign it. Hurts just went toe-to-toe with this years’ MVP and upstaged him for 3 quarters.
Who knows what would’ve happened had it not been for…
…THAT call
You know what I’m talking about. The phantom holding call on James Bradberry that would eventually result in the Chiefs being able to walk off with 3 points and just a few seconds left on the clock. What would’ve happened had Jalen Hurts been given the opportunity to drive down the field? We don’t know.
But we do know that we’re not the 49ers. We’re not the Cowboys. This game was not lost because of that call. The Eagles defense was unable to get pressure on Mahomes all night and whatever hard work was done offensively, was quickly undone as the Chiefs offense ripped through like a hot knife through butter.
The Eagles should not have been in a spot where that call proved to be the difference. They played better (offensively at least), and were dominant in terms of time of possession throughout. It sucks it ended the way it did, but that call, as painful as it is, isn’t what lost this game.
Just how bright does the future look?
This one sounds simple, and it is, but this young core of Eagles players is only just getting started. Led by Jalen Hurts, you have a flurry of extremely talented names under the age of 26 all getting better at a rapid rate. From DeVonta Smith’s incredible x-factor ability, to Kenneth Gainwell’s growth as a running back, the Eagles are inundated with young players on rookie deals.
The offensive line is going to endure a rejuvenation project, with the blueprint already in place, and the Eagles also just so happen to have two first-round picks this year, including one that’s inside the top-10.
The present may be disheartening, but this might just be the most exciting team in the NFL over the next five years.
AP Photo/Matt Rourke
