Is 2023 The Golden Year?
If you’ve been a Philadelphia sports fan for any period of time, you’ve no doubt heard/had this conversation. The “Hey, there’s a lot of potential on these teams. Maybe this…
If you’ve been a Philadelphia sports fan for any period of time, you’ve no doubt heard/had this conversation. The “Hey, there’s a lot of potential on these teams. Maybe this year is the one where Philly sports dominate across the board!” Well, looking at the city’s sports track record, every one of those conversations since the year 1980 has proven to be wrong. While there have been some great seasons for individual teams, the elusive “Golden Year” where most or all of our big 4 teams compete for deep playoff runs and championships. Well, just like the doomsday end of the world scenarios that pop up every couple of years, the potential of this ideal sports calendar year is back once again. I know we’ve all heard this story numerous times before, but indulge me for a minute; 2023 could be the one.
Take a look at the Philadelphia Eagles, and what they have done this offseason. By all accounts, they have built an absolute juggernaut of a roster, and could very well be a QB away from being a deep playoff contender for multiple seasons. This year, with the NFC seeming more open by the day, the birds’ additions of AJ Brown, Haason Reddick, Kyzir White, James Bradberry, Chauncey Gardner-Johnson, and a talented rookie class have created the potential of an exciting year in Philly. The Eagles made the playoffs last year with a much lower talent level on the 2021-22 roster, so the next logical step is a deeper playoff run. With all of the similarities between this team and the 2017 Super Bowl winning team, the 2023 playoffs look to be an exciting time for Nick Sirianni’s squad. If Jalen Hurts puts it all together, a Lombardi Trophy is not an outlandish ceiling for this team in February 2023. Golden year?
It takes more than just one team to have success to create a Golden Year. I mean, the 2018 Super Bowl was great for the Eagles, but the Sixers got gentleman swept by the Boston Celtics in the 2nd round of the Eastern Conference Playoffs. This year, though, the expectations for the Sixers are totally different than they were in that season. The Eastern Conference is wide open, and with turmoil in Brooklyn, a Heat team with deficiencies, a Celtics team that has no answer for Joel Embiid, and a significantly improved Philadelphia roster, there is a real chance that this is the Sixers’ best title chance since 2019. James Harden is reportedly in incredible shape, Embiid seems destined to continue to play at an MVP level, Tyrese Maxey is a budding star, and the supporting cast is deeper than it’s been since The Process. Is a Larry O’Brien trophy the goal for the Sixers? You bet, and they just might have enough firepower to get there. Golden Year…
Ok, so those are wrap-around seasons that start this year. What about the Phillies, who have a talented team this season? I’m not giving up on the Fightins’ potential in 2022, but this isn’t really the all-in year. Dave Dombrowski showed us that at the trade deadline. What he also showed, though, is that the offseason will see a bold push to sign more high-profile players like Nick Castellanos and Kyle Schwarber to push this team over the top. If the Phils make the playoffs this year, John Middleton should feel even more inclined to shell out the money to put his team back in championship contention. 2023 looks to be the peak for this current core of Hoskins-Nola-Wheeler-Realmuto-Harper-Castellanos-Schwarber, and with an addition or two, they shouldn’t be counted out. Golden. Year.
Oh, right! I forgot a team. The Philadelphia Union are a monster in the MLS this year, and could be looking at their 2nd Supporter’s Shield in 3 years. They should’ve gotten a fair look at the MLS Cup last season, but a COVID breakout that was mishandled by the league cost them an equal opportunity. This year, they’re out for blood on the pitch, and while the championship will take place in November of 2022, next year’s Union squad will undoubtedly be talented enough to win it all as well. A soccer dynasty? That sounds like a good ingredient for a Golden Year.
Yes, I know what I’m doing. I’m not mad about it. Maybe the ice hockey team will tank bad enough this season that Connor Bedard ends up in Philadelphia. That’s about the best contribution the Flyers could make to the next calendar year, but no worry. Despite the shortcomings of that one team, though, it does truly look like there’s a bright immediate future for sports in Philadelphia.
Gallery: Reliving Super Bowl 52
It happened! I witnessed it with my own eyes. The Philadelphia Eagles won the Super Bowl.
It was a simpler time. The year was 2018 and the Eagles were known as "The Underdogs." A rag tag team led by a backup quarterback going against "The Greatest Of All Time." But they did it! 41-33 and many in the city can now die happy. Relive the moments of the Super Bowl with this trip down memory lane
Tom Brady Gets Ready To Catch That L
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - FEBRUARY 04: Tom Brady #12 and David Andrews #60 of the New England Patriots take the field prior to Super Bowl LII against the Philadelphia Eagles at U.S. Bank Stadium on February 4, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
The Greatest of All Tim Gets Ready To Defeat Tom Brady
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - FEBRUARY 04: Nick Foles #9 of the Philadelphia Eagles waits as his touchdown pass to Corey Clement is reviewed during the third quarter against the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LII at U.S. Bank Stadium on February 4, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
Malcolm Jenkins Sets The Tone
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - FEBRUARY 04: Malcolm Jenkins #27 of the Philadelphia Eagles tackles Brandin Cooks #14 of the New England Patriots during the second quarter in Super Bowl LII at U.S. Bank Stadium on February 4, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
Alshon Jeffery With An Incredible Touchdown
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - FEBRUARY 04: Alshon Jeffery #17 of the Philadelphia Eagles catches a 34 yard pass, over Eric Rowe #25 of the New England Patriots, for a touchdown during the first quarter in Super Bowl LII at U.S. Bank Stadium on February 4, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
Ok, Now We Are Having Fun
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - FEBRUARY 04: Alshon Jeffery #17 of the Philadelphia Eagles is congratulated by his teammates after scoring a 34-yard touchdown reception during the first quarter against the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LII at U.S. Bank Stadium on February 4, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
Oh My God! ITS A TRICK PLAY
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - FEBRUARY 04: Danny Amendola #80 of the New England Patriots attempts a pass to Tom Brady during the second quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LII at U.S. Bank Stadium on February 4, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Haha Nevermind. Nerd Cant Even Catch
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - FEBRUARY 04: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots drops a pass inteded for him from teammate Rob Gronkowski #87 during the second quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LII at U.S. Bank Stadium on February 4, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
ROLL IT! 15-3 Birds
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - FEBRUARY 04: LeGarrette Blount #29 of the Philadelphia Eagles scores a touchdown on a 21-yard run against the New England Patriots during the second quarter in Super Bowl LII at U.S. Bank Stadium on February 4, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
Take A Bow Big Blount. You Earned It
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - FEBRUARY 04: LeGarrette Blount #29 of the Philadelphia Eagles reacts after his 21-yard touchdown reception during the second quarter against the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LII at U.S. Bank Stadium on February 4, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Uh Oh. James White Makes It 15-12 Eagles
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - FEBRUARY 04: James White #28 of the New England Patriots runs the ball for a 26-yard touchdown pass against the Philadelphia Eagles during the second quarter in Super Bowl LII at U.S. Bank Stadium on February 4, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Tom Brady Cant Catch, But Nick Foles Can!! 22-12
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - FEBRUARY 04: Nick Foles #9 of the Philadelphia Eagles catches a second quarter touchdown reception from teammate Trey Burton against the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LII at U.S. Bank Stadium on February 4, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
I just want to thank my hands for being so great - Nick Foles
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - FEBRUARY 04: Zach Ertz #86 of the Philadelphia Eagles celebrates his 11-yard touchdown catch with teammates Trey Burton #88 and Nelson Agholor #13 during the fourth quarter against the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LII at U.S. Bank Stadium on February 4, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
Gronk Gets The Patriots Back In It. 22-19 Eagles
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - FEBRUARY 04: Rob Gronkowski #87 of the New England Patriots makes a 4-yard touchdown reception against Ronald Darby #41 of the Philadelphia Eagles in the fourth quarter of Super Bowl LII at U.S. Bank Stadium on February 4, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Eagles defeated the Patriots 41-33. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
4 Catches, 100 Yards On The Day For Corey Clement
Andy Lyons/Getty ImagesMINNEAPOLIS, MN - FEBRUARY 04: Corey Clement #30 of the Philadelphia Eagles runs with the ball against the New England Patriots during Super Bowl LII at U.S. Bank Stadium on February 4, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
But No Catch Was Bigger Than This Touchdown. Eagles 29-19
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - FEBRUARY 04: Corey Clement #30 of the Philadelphia Eagles catches a touchdown pass against the New England Patriots during Super Bowl LII at U.S. Bank Stadium on February 4, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
Brady and The Patriots Answer Back. 29-26
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - FEBRUARY 04: Chris Hogan #15 of the New England Patriots is tackled by Rodney McLeod #23 of the Philadelphia Eagles in the third quarter of Super Bowl LII at U.S. Bank Stadium on February 4, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
In The 4th Quarter Jake Elliot Makes It 32-26 Eagles
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - FEBRUARY 04: Jake Elliott #4 of the Philadelphia EaglPhiladelphia Eagles kicks a 25-yard field goal against the New England Patriots in the first quarter in Super Bowl LII at U.S. Bank Stadium on February 4, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
Uh Oh! Patriots Take Their First Lead Thanks To A Gronk Touchdown. 33-32 Patriots
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - FEBRUARY 04: Rob Gronkowski #87 of the New England Patriots celebrates a touchdown reception against the Philadelphia Eagles in the fourth quarter of Super Bowl LII at U.S. Bank Stadium on February 4, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Eagles defeated the Patriots 41-33. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
On A Key 4th Down Foles Hits Ertz! FIRST DOWN
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - FEBRUARY 04: Zach Ertz #86 of the Philadelphia Eagles celebrates after catching a 19-yard reception during the second quarter against the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LII at U.S. Bank Stadium on February 4, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Zach Ertz With The Catch
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - FEBRUARY 04: Zach Ertz #86 of the Philadelphia Eagles makes an 11-yard touchdown reception in the fourth quarter against the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LII at U.S. Bank Stadium on February 4, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Zach Ertz AVOIDS THE TACKLE!
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - FEBRUARY 04: Zach Ertz #86 of the Philadelphia Eagles scores an 11-yard fourth quarter touchdown past Devin McCourty #32 of the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LII at U.S. Bank Stadium on February 4, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
Zach Ertz DIVES INTO THE ENDZONE
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - FEBRUARY 04: Zach Ertz #86 of the Philadelphia Eagles catches a 11 yard touchdown pass against Devin McCourty #32 of the New England Patriots during the fourth quarter in Super Bowl LII at U.S. Bank Stadium on February 4, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
ZACH ERTZ TOUCHDOWN! 38-33 EAGLES!
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - FEBRUARY 04: Zach Ertz #86 of the Philadelphia Eagles scores an 11-yard fourth quarter touchdown against the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LII at U.S. Bank Stadium on February 4, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
Brady Drops Back
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - FEBRUARY 04: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots fumbles as Brandon Graham #55 of the Philadelphia Eagles strips the ball in the fourth quarter of Super Bowl LII at U.S. Bank Stadium on February 4, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
BRANDON GRAHAM STRIPS THE BALL AWAY!
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - FEBRUARY 04: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots has the ball stripped by Brandon Graham #55 of the Philadelphia Eagles late in the fourth quarter in Super Bowl LII at U.S. Bank Stadium on February 4, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
BARNETT HAS THE BALL!
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - FEBRUARY 04: Derek Barnett #96 of the Philadelphia Eagles recovers a fumble by Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots during the fourth quarter in Super Bowl LII at U.S. Bank Stadium on February 4, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
Brandon Graham Celebrates The Strip Sack
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - FEBRUARY 04: Brandon Graham #55 of the Philadelphia Eagles celebrates after stripping the ball from Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots late in the fourth quarter in Super Bowl LII at U.S. Bank Stadium on February 4, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
Tom Brady Realizes He Choked Away The Super Bowl
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - FEBRUARY 04: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots reacts after fumbling the ball during the fourth quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LII at U.S. Bank Stadium on February 4, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
Jake Elliott Makes It 41-33
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - FEBRUARY 04: Jake Elliott #4 of the Philadelphia Eagles kicks 65 yards against the New England Patriots in the first quarter of Super Bowl LII at U.S. Bank Stadium on February 4, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Tom Brady Has One Final Shot. Throws A Hail Mary
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - FEBRUARY 04: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots attempts a pass against the Philadelphia Eagles in the first quarter of Super Bowl LII at U.S. Bank Stadium on February 4, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Ball Game. Eagles Win 41-33
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - FEBRUARY 04: Rob Gronkowski #87 of the New England Patriots fails to catch a pass intended for him on the final play of the game in which his team lost 41-33 to the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LII at U.S. Bank Stadium on February 4, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Philadelphia Eagles defeated the New England Patriots 41-33. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Pure Pandemonium
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - FEBRUARY 04: The Philadelphia Eagles celebrated defeating the New England Patriots 41-33 in Super Bowl LII at U.S. Bank Stadium on February 4, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
Underdogs Reign Supreme
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - FEBRUARY 04: A newspaper is seen after the Philadelphia Eagles defeated the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LII at U.S. Bank Stadium on February 4, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Philadelphia Eagles defeated the New England Patriots, 41-33. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
Brandon Graham Kisses Lombardi
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - FEBRUARY 04: Brandon Graham #55 of the Philadelphia Eagles celebrates with the Vince Lombardi Trophy after his teams 41-33 win over the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LII at U.S. Bank Stadium on February 4, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Philadelphia Eagles defeated the New England Patriots 41-33. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Nick Foles Admires The Lombardi Trophy
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - FEBRUARY 04: Nick Foles #9 of the Philadelphia Eagles celebrates with the Vince Lombardi Trophy after his teams 41-33 victory over the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LII at U.S. Bank Stadium on February 4, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Philadelphia Eagles defeated the New England Patriots 41-33. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Eagles Fans Came Out In DROVES For The Parade
PHILADELPHIA, PA - FEBRUARY 08: Philadelphia Eagles fans line up in front of City Hall during the team's Super Bowl Victory Parade on February 8, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
Eagles Players Soakes In The Parade
PHILADELPHIA, PA - FEBRUARY 08: Quarterbacks Nick Foles, Nate Sudfeld and Carson Wentz of the Philadelphia Eagles during their Super Bowl Victory Parade on February 8, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
Jason Kelce Gives "The Speech"
PHILADELPHIA, PA - FEBRUARY 08: Center Jason Kelce speaks at a ceremony honoring the Philadelphia Eagles Super Bowl win on February 8, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Aaron P. Bernstein/Getty Images)
