The Greatest Pass of Jalen Hurts’ Life
One of the most memorable moments from the Eagles’ dominant performance in Super Bowl LIX was undoubtedly Jalen Hurts’ 46-yard touchdown pass to DeVonta Smith. This play, which has been replayed over a hundred times by me, stands as one of the greatest Super Bowl touchdowns ever. The Eagles were already leading 27-0 and had a 1st-and-10 on the Chiefs’ 46-yard line. The play started with Smith’s impeccable separation from Chiefs corner Jaylen Watson, who failed to jam him at the line of scrimmage. Smith then sprinted unimpeded toward the end zone, while Hurts had excellent protection from his offensive line, Saquon Barkley, and backup tight end Grant Calcaterra, who both picked up blitzes. After a play-fake to Barkley, Hurts had a clean pocket to set and fire the ball. Smith turned to look for the ball at the 30-yard line, a split second before Hurts released it. Their timing was flawless, and Smith didn’t need to slow down or adjust his hands. He jumped slightly as he crossed the goal line and caught the ball just before landing, securing a 34-0 lead. The relationship between Hurts and Smith, which dates back to their days at Alabama, where they spent countless hours throwing and studying together, played a crucial role in this moment of football perfection.
Nick Sirianni’s Playoff Success
Nick Sirianni’s accomplishments as a head coach have been nothing short of remarkable. He is only the second coach in NFL history to win six playoff games in his first four seasons, following in the footsteps of Joe Gibbs, who achieved this feat with Washington from 1981 through 1984. Notable coaches like Tom Flores, John Fox, Mike Tomlin, Paul Brown, George Seifert, and Bill Parcells each won five playoff games in their respective stints. The Eagles have won six playoff games since 2022, matching their total from 1961 through 1999. Sirianni’s post-Super Bowl LVII regret over not being aggressive enough clearly influenced his approach this time around. His bold decision to go for it on critical plays, such as the 46-yard touchdown to Smith, showcased his ability to make crucial calls under pressure. The clip of Sirianni talking to offensive coordinator Kellen Moore before the play, emphasizing the importance of scoring to seal the game, is a testament to his strategic mindset and boldness.
The Eagles’ Dominant Defensive Performance
The Eagles’ defensive performance in Super Bowl LIX was a masterclass in shutting down the Chiefs’ running game. Kansas City, which had been successful on the ground in the first half, struggled to generate any meaningful runs thereafter. The Chiefs’ running backs managed only 24 total yards, one of the lowest totals in Super Bowl history. Patrick Mahomes had a couple of late scrambles, but the offensive line was largely overpowered. This defensive dominance allowed the Eagles to focus on containing the Chiefs’ passing game, which proved to be a decisive factor. Isiah Pacheco, who had previously gashed the Eagles for 76 yards in Super Bowl LVII, could only manage seven yards on three carries, while Kareem Hunt, who had a standout season, added just nine yards on three carries. The Eagles’ defensive front, knowing that the Chiefs were unlikely to run, unleashed a relentless pass rush that overwhelmed Kansas City’s offensive line.
Philadelphia’s First Championship Parade
Long before the modern era of Philadelphia sports, the city celebrated its first championship parade on November 5, 1910, following the Athletics’ 7-2 win over the Cubs in Game 5 of the World Series at Chicago’s West Side Grounds. The parade route took a historic journey south on Broad Street, starting at Montgomery, circling the west side of City Hall, and ending at Wolf Street. This evening parade, which began at 8 p.m., drew an estimated audience of nearly a million people, according to the Inquirer, though the Delaware County Times reported a more modest 100,000. The joy and unity of the crowd, described by a newspaper columnist as "everybody was there and everybody was happy," echo the city’s timeless spirit. Philadelphia has a rich history of celebrating its sporting heroes, and the excitement and pride in this victory serve as a reminder of the enduring bond between the city and its teams.
Jalen Hurts’ Super Bowl Success
Jalen Hurts has quickly carved out a place among the elite quarterbacks in Super Bowl history. He joins the ranks of Bart Starr, Joe Montana, and Tom Brady as one of only four quarterbacks to score at least 33 points in multiple Super Bowls. In his first Super Bowl appearance, Hurts had one passing touchdown and three rushing touchdowns, and in Super Bowl LIX, he added two passing TDs and one rushing TD. His total of seven touchdowns in his first two Super Bowls is the most ever by a quarterback, surpassing Joe Montana’s previous record of five. Hurts’ dual-threat capabilities, both in the passing and rushing game, have made him a formidable presence on the biggest stage. His performance in the Super Bowl not only solidifies his legacy but also highlights the Eagles’ ability to develop and nurture exceptional quarterback talent, a trait that has become a hallmark of the franchise.
Jake Elliott’s Postseason Revival
Jake Elliott’s 2024 postseason revival is one of the most inspiring stories of the season. After a shaky regular season, where he missed eight field goal attempts and struggled from long distances, Elliott faced significant doubt heading into the Super Bowl. However, he delivered in clutch situations, going 3-for-3 on field goals of at least 48 yards in Super Bowl LIX, including a 50-yarder. Elliott became the first kicker ever to record three field goals of 48 yards or more in a single Super Bowl and only the second to do so in his career. His 9-for-9 performance in Super Bowls is the best in NFL history, and his overall 96.3 percent success rate in the postseason ranks second only to Robbie Gould. Despite initial concerns, Elliott’s reliability in high-stakes moments has earned him a secure place in the Eagles’ future. His consistency and accuracy in the playoffs, particularly in crucial games, make him an invaluable asset to the team.
Josh Sweat’s Future and the Edge Rusher Rotation
Josh Sweat’s performance in the last two seasons has been a rollercoaster, but his Super Bowl LIX showing could not have been more timely. After a dominant 2022 season with 11 sacks, Sweat struggled, managing just 12 straight games without a sack. However, he rebounded in 2023, recording seven sacks in eight games and appeared unstoppable once again. Heading into the Super Bowl, with Brandon Graham limited and Bryce Huff inactive, Sweat was seemingly in a slump. Yet, he rose to the occasion, logging a career-high 2.5 sacks, along with two QB hits and two tackles for loss. His performance ranks fifth in Super Bowl history. Sweat’s breakthrough in the playoffs is reminiscent of Derrick Burgess, who parlayed a big NFC Championship Game into a substantial contract with the Raiders. While Sweat’s future with the Eagles is uncertain due to his inconsistency and contract status, his Super Bowl heroics have certainly heightened his market value. The Eagles will need to weigh the financial implications of keeping Sweat, especially with the emergence of Nolan Smith and Jalyx Hunt. If Sweat hits the open market, he will likely receive offers that the Eagles might find difficult to match. However, his contributions and the team’s depth at the edge rusher position make him a valuable player, and the Eagles will undoubtedly consider all options to retain him.
