Ex-NFL HC Mike Smith lauds Eagles, other Philadelphia sports franchises for setting the benchmark in 2022-23 (EXCLUSIVE)
The Philadelphia Eagles are once again back in the Super Bowl. The NFC East side set the pace early on and didn't lose any steam to storm their way to Super Bowl LVII with a statement 31-7 win against the San Francisco 49ers.
With their sights set on the Lombardi trophy, the Eagles now have one last hurdle to clear to win it all. But regardless of what happens, the Philadelphia side showed the competition how to play ball. Speaking on Sportskeeda's BallFather podcast, former NFL head coach Mike Smith delved deeper into Philly's season and how the city has set the benchmark across the world of sports:
"I tell you what, it's been a year. It's been the year of Philly. I mean, the Phillies go to the World Series. They didn't win, but they were there. Their MLS team, Philadelphia Union got to the MLS Cup. They showed up really good, but they didn't win. And now you know the Sixers just got off a seven-game win streak?"
Speaking about the Eagles, Smith lauded the side for returning to another Super Bowl after their historic run in 2018 under quarterback Nick Foles:
"How about the Eagles? (They're) going back to the Super Bowl for the second time in six years. I think the league has to be very, very pleased from the perspective that the two best teams in the league, pound-for-pound, got to the final game."
The Eagles face AFC champions Kansas City Chiefs at Super Bowl LVII, set to take place in Arizona on Feb. 12, 2023. With no clear favorites heading into the tie, fans should expect an all-time classic when Jalen Hurts faces off against Patrick Mahomes.
Jalen Hurts reveals how he fought against all odds to establish himself as Eagles' QB1
The road to the Super Bowl hasn't been an easy one for Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts. Entering the league as a replacement for former starter Carson Wentz, Hurts encountered some growing pains along the way.
Howie Roseman got absolutely killed for drafting Jalen Hurts.
Now it’s turning out to be his greatest draft pick ever.
The apology needs to be as loud as the disrespect was. https://t.co/fVfxv02kJz
But now, in his third season in the NFL, Hurts is among the front runners to land his first MVP title. Reflecting on his journey thus far, the quarterback revealed post the NFC championship that he was aware many in Philly didn't want him drafted in the first place:
"Well my first year here, I mean, they probably didn’t even want to draft me here. Probably one of those things but it always handles itself."
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While he didn't reveal who exactly he was referring to in this comment, he did acknowledge faith played a role in his perseverance:
"I know that it was a big surprise to many. A big surprise to many. But my favorite verse – you know, I went through a lot of stuff in college and it kind of stuck with me — John 13:7 ‘You may not know now but later you’ll understand.’"
Hurts is set to go up against Patrick Mahomes, a bona fide NFL superstar. Now no longer an afterthought himself, the quarterback has the chance to solidify his place among the NFL's big names with a win over the man labeled the face of the league for years to come.