An Unprecedented Scoring Streak
The Philadelphia Eagles have solidified their place in Super Bowl history with an unprecedented scoring streak. In their three most recent Super Bowl appearances—LII, LVII, and LIX—the Eagles scored 35 points or more in each game. The 41 points in Super Bowl LII, 35 points in Super Bowl LVII, and 40 points in Super Bowl LIX make them the only team to achieve this feat in consecutive Super Bowls. They join the San Francisco 49ers as one of only two teams to score 35 points in three different Super Bowls. The 49ers achieved this but not consecutively, making the Eagles’ accomplishment even more remarkable. Their total of 8th, 9th, and 17th-most points in Super Bowl history from these three games cements their legacy as a high-scoring powerhouse.
Dominant Halftime and Third-Quarter Leads
The Eagles’ dominance in Super Bowl LIX was evident from the start. They held a 24-point lead at halftime, the largest such lead in a Super Bowl in 37 years, since Washington led the Broncos 35-10 in Super Bowl XXII. The 28-point lead after the third quarter is the largest in 35 years, since the 49ers led the Broncos 41-10 in Super Bowl XXIV. The Eagles’ performance in the first half is particularly noteworthy, as they are one of only two teams in the last 29 Super Bowls to score at least 24 points in the first half. The last team to do so was the Green Bay Packers, who led the New England Patriots 27-14 at halftime in Super Bowl XXXI. The Eagles’ ability to set the tone early and maintain their lead is a testament to their strategic and tactical excellence.
Jake Elliott’s Super Bowl Magic
Kicker Jake Elliott had a transformational performance in Super Bowl LIX, going 4-for-4, including three field goals of at least 48 yards. This makes him the first kicker in Super Bowl history to achieve such a feat. Despite a challenging regular season where he finished with the worst field goal percentage in the NFL, Elliott’s performance in the biggest game of the year was nothing short of magical. He matched his entire season total of 48-yard field goals in a single Super Bowl. Elliott’s 9-for-9 career Super Bowl record, making him the most accurate kicker in Super Bowl history, is a remarkable achievement. His postseason consistency, with a 96.3 percent success rate, places him among the elite kickers in NFL history, behind names like Robbie Gould, Evan McPherson, and Chris Boswell.
A Path to Championship Glories
The Eagles’ journey to the Super Bowl is a story of resilience and determination. Ten of the last 20 Super Bowl champions played on wild-card weekend, and four of these teams played the entire postseason on the road. The 2024 Eagles, like the 2005 Steelers, 2007 Buccaneers, 2010 Packers, and 2020 Buccaneers, proved that even the longest road can lead to the promised land. Their success in the wild-card round and beyond showcases the importance of momentum, team chemistry, and the ability to perform under pressure. The Eagles’ ability to navigate through tough competition and emerge victorious is a testament to their mental and physical toughness.
Dynamic Receivers and Commanding QB Performance
DeVonta Smith’s contributions to the Eagles’ Super Bowl success are noteworthy. With his 45-yard catch in Super Bowl LVII and his 46-yarder in Super Bowl LIX, Smith became only the fourth player in Super Bowl history to record multiple receptions of at least 45 yards. The last player to achieve this was Vance Johnson of the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl XXI, 38 years ago. Smith’s performances highlight the dynamic connection between him and quarterback Jalen Hurts. Hurts, who has three career completions of at least 45 yards in the Super Bowl, is now tied with Tom Brady, who had the same number in 10 Super Bowls. This speaks to the consistency and effectiveness of the Eagles’ passing game in high-stakes situations.
Unmatched Rushing Dominance and Historical Milestones
The Eagles’ rushing dominance in Super Bowl LIX was a key factor in their victory. They finished the postseason with an NFL-record 818 rushing yards, surpassing the previous record set by the Washington Commanders in 1981. Their 11 rushing touchdowns are the second-most in Super Bowl history, behind only the Broncos’ 12 in 1997. The 3,866 rushing yards the Eagles accumulated in the regular season and postseason combined is also an NFL record. The previous record was held by the 1948 49ers, who ran for 3,663 yards in just 14 games. The Eagles’ 40 total rushing touchdowns this year are the second-most in history, trailing only the 2022 Eagles, who ran for 42. The Eagles’ dominance on the ground underscores their well-rounded and potent offensive strategy.
Defensive Excellence and Historic Firsts
The Eagles’ defensive performance in Super Bowl LIX was nothing short of historic. They became the first team in 25 years to record six sacks, force three turnovers, and hold an opponent below 300 yards in a Super Bowl. The last team to achieve this was the 1994 49ers, who recorded six sacks and four takeaways while limiting the Broncos to 167 total yards. Cooper DeJean’s 38-yard pick-6 off Patrick Mahomes was a pivotal moment, marking his first career interception and the Eagles’ first interception in a Super Bowl. This pick-6, recorded on DeJean’s 22nd birthday, was only the second Super Bowl pick-6 by a rookie and the first in 39 years. The Eagles’ defensive prowess, led by young players like Nolan Smith, Jalen Carter, and Jordan Davis, demonstrates the depth and talent of their roster.
A Legacy of Greatness
The 2024 Eagles have not only achieved extraordinary statistical feats but have also etched their names in the annals of NFL history. Their record-breaking performances, both on offense and defense, highlight their status as one of the most formidable teams in recent memory. The journey to Super Bowl LIX, marked by resilience, consistency, and exceptional play, sets a high bar for future Eagles teams. As they look ahead to the 2025 season, the legacy of this championship team will undoubtedly inspire and motivate the next generation of Eagles players to strive for greatness.
