The buzz around Philadelphia is palpable, but what will it look like in two weeks? Our beloved Eagles are taking a trip down to New Orleans for Super Bowl 59, which could mean celebration or heartbreak; either way, the city will be ablaze. While some fans may be worried about the rematch against the Kansas City Chiefs, they are actually the perfect opponent for Philadelphia. 

The Kansas City Chiefs are looking to win the Lombardi trophy for the third year in a row to complete the “threepeat”. I believe that this will distract the team rather than motivate them. The Chief’s first Superbowl win in this streak was against the Eagles, which is perfect for the Birds. They know the taste of defeat is bitter and not welcome in this city. Nick Sirrani knows what it means for him and his job with the Eagles to lose.

Furthermore, the Eagles know what it is like to lose to the Chiefs specifically. They know what it is like to be ahead and dominate the Superbowl for the first 3 and a half quarters, just to lose in the final three minutes. This will only motivate the players more. 

And how could any Eagles fan (or Tom Brady) forget, that this is not the first time the Eagles have the opportunity to tarnish a legacy? February 4, 2018, Nick Foles and the Eagles shattered Patriot fans’ dreams as they completed the Cinderella story and beat the unbeatable. The energy from that game has not been forgotten by the city or the players. Brandon Graham, Lane Johnson, and Jake Elliot know what it feels like to win a Super Bowl and celebrate on Broad. The different levels of experience going into this game will help support the younger generation which is far more inexperienced. 

Yes, the Chiefs have experience too. Philadelphia is all too familiar with Big Red, Andy Reid. Andy Reid was involved with the Eagles for 14 years and has experienced 6 Super Bowls. Does that remind you of a short-sleeved sweatshirt-wearing head coach? The Eagles beat Bill Belichick when he was in his prime with Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski. In the words of Rocky 4, “He’s not a machine, he’s a man.” Whether it’s Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, or Andy Reid; Rocky beat Ivan Drago, it’s time to beat ours. 

Also, everyone in Philadelphia and all over the country knows that the Chiefs have the referees in their back pocket. While there truly is no way to predict how the refs will manage the game, the Eagles know that it will not be in their favor. So, we know that they need to play a conservative and safe game, especially with aggressive players like Jalen Carter who are fully capable of ripping Patrick Mahomes’ head off if he looks at him wrong. 

Let’s not forget, that this city runs on an underdog story. This city runs on being the villain. They know that “hungry dogs run faster”. The Eagles are well aware of the fact that the entire country is rooting against them and thinks that the Chiefs will win. 

So, don’t lose hope by looking at the statistics, but remember how the Eagles won in 2018. The Eagles are dynasty killers, the Chiefs are just the next victim of the Philadelphia Penitentiary.