Random Thoughts Cleaning Up After Super Bowl 57

by John Kincade

The Penalty Call on James Bradbury might be his final memory

The penalty call that allowed the KC Chiefs to run out the clock in the Super Bowl against James Bradbury will forever be a part of Eagles lore. The chatter from many on social media was that the Eagles were denied the chance to tie the game because of the controversial call. I look at it in a different way.

The Eagles had 58 minutes to capitalize on various opportunities to secure that victory. It’s hard to take any issue with the Eagles offensive performance. When you score 35 points that should be enough to claim a title. They did stall out, scoring only 11 points in the second half. The defense on the other hand never responded. Every drive ending in points for the Chiefs. They are now only the second team ever to blow a 10 point lead at halftime. James Bradbury was a huge part of why the Eagles made it to the Super Bowl. He was impactful early, but became just a steady performer after the halfway point of the season. He wasn’t really a difference maker but his talent will be missed if they don’t bring him back which isn’t expected.

The Brain Drain begins at the Novacare Complex

Shane Steichen appears to be the choice of the Indianapolis Colts to take over as their Head Coach. After the Eagles won Super Bowl 52 the Colts hired away the Eagles Offensive Coordinator Frank Reich. The Colts obviously are hoping that this time will be more successful. There are reports that Jonathan Gannon could be emerging as the top candidate for the Cardinals Head Coaching job. Who will emerge as the favorites to fill those roles is yet to be determined. Nick Sirianni will most likely chose an internal candidate to promote to offensive coordinator if Steichen departs. A defensive coordinator would be a more difficult position to determine the eventual outcome if replacement is needed.

Getting Back Next Year Won’t Be That Easy

The idea that the Eagles will get back to the Super Bowl in Las Vegas next season with an attempt to avenge the loss to the Chiefs sounds easier than it will actually be to accomplish. In fact, history would tell you that the odds are stacked against them. The only team in recent history to ever get back to the attempt to win the Super Bowl after losing the year before is the New England Patriots in Super Bowl 53, after losing to the Eagles the year before. The last team to accomplish the return trip was the Bills in Super Bowl 28. They lost that opportunity.

A lot of things work against you in an attempt to get back. The Bengals had to play a stacked schedule in 2022 after cruising to the Super Bowl on a last place schedule in 2021. They started slowly and then found their stride later in the season, but fell short at Kansas City in the AFC Title Game. This was a huge missed opportunity. The odds that the Eagles will be able to grab the top seed in the NFC are probably slim. The schedule will be tougher and the target will be clearly on their backs.