LIVE STREAMING
Philadelphia Eagles coach Doug Pederson answers questions from the press. EFE
Philadelphia Eagles coach Doug Pederson answers questions from the press. EFE

Super Bowl LII: Why not?

Despite facing the feared Patriots, the Eagles will have a chance on Sunday to claim the first ever Super Bowl for the City of Brotherly Love 

MORE IN THIS SECTION

Mourning in Colombia

Piñatas For Everyone

A Latino in the Stars

Hispanic Role Model

A Latino Storyteller

Pau Gasol enters the HOF

The G.O.A.T. comes to Philly

New opportunity for JJ Barea

SHARE THIS CONTENT:

When looking for famous quotes, there is no better source than the Greek philosophers. The one I like the most is the following by Heraclitus: “If you do not expect the unexpected, you will not find it.”

Well, the Philadelphia Eagles achieved something that was completely unexpected six months ago, and it’s something a man named Nick Foles would have never imagined. He has gone from debating about his continuity in pro football to being mere hours away from facing living legend Tom Brady with the Vince Lombardi Trophy at stake.

The question is: now what? Will the Eagles claim victory at Super Bowl LII, which takes place on Sunday in Minnesota? I would answer with another question: “Why not?”

The almighty New England Patriots will take the field as favorites. The situation is not a new one for the Eagles. They have overcome many difficult circumstances this year to reach this point, including severe injuries, and the Eagles have been deemed underdogs in many instances, despite finishing the regular season as the top squad in the National Conference.

Asking Latino Eagles fans about Sunday’s game, I found confident but at the same time doubtful answers due to the enormous power of the opponent.

David Sánchez said: “I am not afraid, but I really respect New England.”

Pablo Casado answered in the same terms: “The Patriots are the toughest team to play, but the Eagles have been underdogs before and have surprised many.”

I believe the great Philadelphia fans can make many arguments to keep the dream alive. The Patriots had problems defeating the Jacksonville Jaguars during the American Conference Championship game, unable to stop at times the run-pass option (RPO) that Foles executed to perfection during the playoffs.

Besides, the Eagles offense has a much better receiving corps than the Jaguars, including Nelson Agholor’s versatility, Torrey Smith’s speed, Alshon Jeffery’s ability to catch the outside throws and Zach Ertz’s soundness.

Stopping the best quarterback who has ever played the game is impossible, but very few teams have the pieces, as the Eagles do, to slow him down. The interior pressure will be key and there is no better lineman in the NFL than Fletcher Cox to do it. Besides, Brady will need to beat Philadelphia by throwing, as the Eagles have the only defense in the league that surrendered less than 80 yards per game this season.

There is no doubt that New England is a feared rival, but the Patriots are not the team they were a year ago. Despite finishing at the top of the AFC, the Patriots had more problems than in previous seasons, mainly at the start. They registered a 4-2 record during the first six weeks, winning three games by a hair and allowing their opponents an average above 26 points per contest.

It will be complicated, but Doug Pederson will have his team ready. If the Eagles keep the game tight and their defense stops Brady’s short passing game to wide receiver Danny Amendola, tight end Rob Gronkowksi and his running backs, the following phrase by fan Aitor Góngora, who is as wise as the Greeks, could become true:

“The faith has weakened at times, we suffered some blows, but they prepared us for the moment. Philadelphia is ready to make history”.

I would only add: “Why not”?

  • LEAVE A COMMENT:

  • Join the discussion! Leave a comment.

  • or
  • REGISTER
  • to comment.
  • LEAVE A COMMENT:

  • Join the discussion! Leave a comment.

  • or
  • REGISTER
  • to comment.