(Philadelphia) When you see how lucky the Philadelphia Eagles were before their first playoff game, it’s no surprise they’re aiming for a Super Bowl appearance.
Jalen Hurts is (good enough) after missing two games late in the season with a sprained shoulder. Right tackle Lane Johnson has had his name removed from the injured list for the first time in a month since suffering a torn adductor muscle. The Eagles are the National favorites and the New York Giants, their division rivals against whom they won both games this season, will be the visitors on Saturday night.
Life is good in Philly.
“We know we’ve put ourselves in this position because of what we’ve accomplished this season,” Hurts said.
The Eagles kicked off their season with eight straight wins and 13 in their first 14 games, while Hurts placed his name in the MVP discussion. The Eagles finished the campaign 7-2 at home, beating clubs relying on key elements from their first Super Bowl win in Doug Pederson and Carson Wentz.
Optimism is high in Philadelphia, which hopes to win a second championship in five years. By the way, the last favorite team to win the Super Bowl is… the Eagles in 2018.
“We are in our 17e18e week and should be playing our best football,” coach Nick Sirianni said.
The Giants (9-7-1) reached the playoffs in their first season under Brian Daboll after five seasons without participating in the winter tournament. They beat the Minnesota Vikings 31-24 in the first round.
For quarterback Daniel Jones and the Giants, the season is already a great success. For the Eagles, a loss in their first playoff game would spell disaster for this season.
With a game in the evening, their already raucous fans will be energized by the energy of an all-day tailgate party.
“Their crowd is brutal and it helps when their team is as good as it is this season,” Giants left tackle Andrew Thomas said.
There have already been surprises in the Goodell Circuit’s first playoff week. The Eagles do not want to fuel this chapter in the second.