Eagles win. Very aggressive play calling from Doug Pederson.
Not just in the Super Bowl either.
When Foles took over from Wentz as starter after the win against Rams, he eased Foles in. They said Foles wasn't Wentz, they were right. Wentz has the potential to be one of the greats. But Foles was steady, calm and dependable.
They said Foles couldn't throw the long ball. So he threw 3TDs >40 yards in the championship game including a flea flicker play.
They said Foles v Brady was a mismatch. Yes, it was as Foles is no Brady. But it wasn't Foles v Brady it was Eagles v Pats. The first play call of the super bowl screamed out to be a run to settle him in. Nope, Pederson calls a short inside pass route and he makes it, and he settles.
The play at 4th and goal at the end of first half was pure guts. Some suggested if it failed, it would cost the game. To call that play at that point, showed the confidence he had in his team and his QB to execute.
I've watched the highlights back a few times, you know what, Foles never even got excited at any point. He was emotionless and almost quietly psychotic as he got the job done.
In the 4th Q at 4th & 1, as the Pats were hitting top gear on offence, Foles made the game. He was pressured, he scrambled, he found his receiver for a 1st down. Nothing flashy, just got the job done. Yeah the sack fumble on Brady will be seen as the key play that turned / won the game for Philly. But that 4th & 1 was the epitome of what Nick Foles has been for the Eagles. The quiet, calm hero.
Yeah the fans hold few friends around the NFL, but that city has waited a long time and endured mediocrity pretty much since the Super Bowl era began.
They earned the other night on merit. They posted the best season record. They beat last years runners up in the play offs. They destroyed the highly fancied Vikings in the Championship game, then beat the Pats. Maybe not the Pats of previous years, but they've been there and done that many times and they had Brady. I'll hold the memories of this triumph for the rest of my life.
Next season will be tough. But that can wait for now. Plus the NFL champions are coming to England, on my birthday. I'm made up. Does it show?