By GEORGE HUNKELE
The Philadelphia Eagles upset the defending champions, New England Patriots, in Super Bowl 52 Sunday by a final score of 41-33.
It was the best offensive Super Bowl in the history of the NFL and came down to the heart stopping last play. After the loss, can Patriots fans really be mad; do they really appreciate how great their team has actually been?
“We (The Patriots) are so good that anything less that a Super Bowl ring is a failed season in my opinion,” said Jeff Fischetti, 29, lifelong Patriots fan, when being asked if he appreciates the Patriots greatness.
Patriots Greatness
Much of the Patriots recent success has to do with their quarterback, Tom Brady, and head coach, Bill Belichick. Brady and Belichick are widely viewed as the greatest quarterback and coach duo in the history of the NFL. In 17 seasons together, the two have combined for five Super Bowl rings, eight Super Bowl appearances, and have won the AFC East division 15 times. Brady himself has won three MVP awards, four Super Bowl MVP’s, and holds every major Super Bowl passing record; Belichick has also added three coach of the year awards.
U.S Bank Stadiu
m itself was filled to the brim as soon as the gates opened. Eagles fans outnumbered Patriots fans in terms of numbers as well as volume in the stadium. The Eagles struck first in the game, going up 3-0 early on. From that point on the game became a back and forth shootout. Neither defense could find a way to get a turnover and both teams kept putting up points as fans for both teams screamed out.
After constant back and forth scoring, the Patriots had one last chance with nine seconds and the ball at midfield. Tom Brady stepped into the throw as the clock hit zero and both teams fans hearts stopped. The stadium stood dead silent as the ball flew towards the end zone for what felt like years. After the ball hit off multiple players hands, it finally hit the ground as Eagles fans screamed out, the Eagles had one their first Super Bowl!
“It was the happiest I have ever been in my life as a Philly sports fan,” said Zack Szeles, 23, Philadelphia Eagles fan, when being asked about his reaction when the ball finally hit the ground. “As a fan of a team who has just won their first Super Bowl, I am much more appreciative then any Patriots fan I know, they are in the Super Bowl almost every year.”
Other Eagles fans have already begun to flood the streets of Philly in celebration of their first Super Bowl win. The Philadelphia Eagles will hold their Super Bowl parade this Tuesday, Feb. 6.
As for the Patriots and their fans, maybe this Super Bowl loss will make them more appreciative of how grateful they have been to win so many. The Patriots have already been booked as the favorites to win next years Super Bowl.
Definitely like all the background information links to various facets of this game and these two teams, specifically the SB Nation link talking about the overwhelming numbers of Eagles fans at the game.
Something I think would be cool to add would be further context of the Patriots success. How does their run through various parameters compare to other historically dominant teams in the NFL or even the other major sports?