It’s never a good idea for a new head coach to make a bad impression at the press conference announcing his appointment.
This is even more true in Philadelphia, where the intransigence of Eagles fans is legendary. In December 1968, for example, they booed Santa Claus during a halftime show and threw snowballs at him. All because the disastrous season of their favorites exasperated them. This affair, which then resounded in the four corners of the United States, built the base of their legend.
That’s why Nick Sirianni was judged harshly after missing that first date in January 2021. His words delivered too quickly and clumsily, with an emphasis on “the systems” he would implement, went around the NFL.
On American TV, a well-known analyst wondered how the new coach of the Eagles would do to speak with conviction to his players if he weren’t even damned to speak effectively to journalists.
Three months later, Sirianni raised eyebrows again when he revealed one of his tricks in his interviews with draft hopefuls. Due to COVID-19, the exercise took place on Zoom and he offered some of them a game of “Rock, Paper, Scissors” to see how competitive they were!
The poor guy hadn’t even managed a single match before he was already the victim of teasing. We know the rest: Sirianni only needed two seasons to lead the Eagles to the Super Bowl.
Today, no one doubts his skills. The “systems” he has put in place are obviously working very well. And if he thinks he can learn more about the personality of young players by playing a round or two of “Rock, Paper, Scissors” during a long conversation with them, well, that’s his business!
His Kansas City Chiefs rival, Andy Reid, knows the relentless Philadelphia market very well, having led the Eagles for 14 seasons, never leading them to the Super Bowl. However, he succeeded with the Chiefs: victory in 2019 and defeat in 2020.
At first glance, it’s hard to imagine two coaches with more different profiles. Reid is 64 years old and has been in top positions in the NFL for a long time. Sirianni is 41 years old and his originality often surprises.
On the other hand, the two coaches have one thing in common: each has an extraordinary quarterback.
With his lively passes and incredible precision, Patrick Mahomes performs miracles on the field. He also makes big plays when the situation seems hopeless. This ability to find plans B or C characterizes him.
Three weeks ago, Mahomes suffered an ankle injury against the Jacksonville Jaguars. He nevertheless returned to action during the game and, despite fears, went on to play in the American Conference Finals against the Cincinnati Bengals. His mobility, however, was not optimal.
Will Mahomes be at his best on Sunday? The answer to that question will say a lot about the Chiefs’ chances.
We hope so. Because in full possession of his means, he is not only the best player in the NFL, but also the most exciting.
The Eagles quarterback is Jalen Hurts. In January 2018, in his second season at the University of Alabama Offensive Guides, his team trailed 13-0 after the first half of college football’s Grand Finals. His coach Nick Saban then withdrew him from the match. In relief, Tua Tagovailova allowed her team to make up for this deficit and head for victory.
Hurts celebrated with her teammates and congratulated Tagovailova. The festivities over, back in his hotel room, he however began to cry, as told recently The New York Times. Losing his position at such a crucial moment hurt him, especially given his previous successes.
This harsh experience, however, did not destroy him. “That day made me who I am. I wouldn’t change a thing about it,” he told ESPN in 2019.
Nevertheless, a doubt persists: can Hurts win “the” big game? Quarterbacks like him, who run the ball a lot, are not always unanimous.
But beware: Hurts is a very effective passer and the Chiefs defense will have to be alert to counter him. Like Mahomes, Hurts is plagued by an injury, in his case to a shoulder. Statistics show that it has been slightly less accurate since then.
What kind of match will we be entitled to?
I expect fireworks with a lot of points on the board, even if the Eagles have the best defense in the league.
I expect the two quarterbacks to impress us and brilliantly materialize the generational change that we are witnessing in this key position, with the recent retirements of several big names and the rise in rank of the next generation. .
I expect colossal efforts from the Kelce brothers: Chiefs tight end Travis and Eagles center Jason. If two head coach brothers have already faced each other in the Super Bowl in 2013 (John and Jim Harbaugh), this is a first for two players.
I expect a key defensive play from Haason Reddick of the Eagles in the fourth quarter.
And I expect, after a wild game, a 34-28 victory for the Eagles.
Happy Super Bowl, everyone!