The Philadelphia Eagles concluded what was an amazing season with a heartbreaking loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LVII Sunday night in Arizona.
Philadelphia held a 10-point lead after the first half and was on top heading into the final 15 minutes of the game.
Unfortunately, the Eagles’ defense just couldn’t stop Patrick Mahomes and Co. in the second half. Kansas City scored on all of its possessions after halftime, culminating in a game-winning field goal with just eight seconds remaining.
After matching Kansas City for the best record in the NFL during the regular season, these Chiefs proved that they are among the best teams in the league. They have nothing to be ashamed about after such a meteoric rise up the NFL’s ranks. Here’s a look at three reasons why the Philadelphia Eagles will be back in next season and can win the Super Bowl.
Related: Winners and losers from Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl LVII victory over the Philadelphia Eagles
Eagles have a ton of stock in the 2023 NFL Draft
The Saints pretty much gifted their first-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft to Philadelphia before the annual event last year. In said deal, Howie Roseman and Co. sent the 16th and 19th overall selections in last year’s draft to New Orleans. Philadelphia picked up the 18th pick, a third-rounder in 2022, first-rounder this April and a second-round selection in 2024.
In addition to their original first-round selection (30th overall), the Eagles now own the 10th pick. Whether it’s adding a reinforcement in the secondary, getting more help in the front seven or bringing in more skill-position talent, this gives Philadelphia a ton of flexibility.
There’s also an off chance that these Eagles simply move the 10th selection for a proven veteran. Remember, they acquired star wide receiver A.J. Brown in a blockbuster trade during the 2022 NFL Draft. Either way we spin it, Philly has the capability of adding a ton more talent in the upcoming draft or via another blockbuster trade.
Related: Early Super Bowl LVIII Super Bowl predictions
Philadelphia Eagles’ Jalen Hurts is the real deal
An argument could’ve been made for Hurts to win the Super Bowl MVP in a losing effort if he had not seen a fumble returned for a touchdown. Heck, the Eagles were driving for a potential two-score lead when that ill-fated play took place early in the second quarter. Outside of that, Hurts played an absolutely flawless game in breaking multiple single-game Super Bowl records.
- Jalen Hurts stats (Super Bowl LVII): 27-of-38 passing, 304 passing yards, 70 rushing yards, 4 total TD, 0 INT, 103.4 QB rating
This historic performance followed a regular season in which Hurts was a clear NFL MVP candidate up until suffering an injury late. At 24 years old and with just two seasons as a full-time starter under his belt, Hurts has already proven he’s a franchise guy.
“That was the best game I saw Jalen Hurts play. It was awesome for the NFL to see the two best QBs in the league on the big stage,” Philadelphia Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni said after the Super Bowl.
Philadelphia is about to back up this talk with a massive contract that could hover around $50 million per season. It knows that Hurts is special. The NFL found that out first-hand. And in reality, it will lead to the Lombardi Trophy heading to Philadelphia at some point.
Related: Philadelphia Eagles standing in Sportsnaut’s offseason NFL power rankings
NFC East should be an easy win for Philadelphia
The New York Giants have two key free agents in that of quarterback Daniel Jones and Saquon Barkley set to hit free agency next month. They also played over the head in boasting a 9-7-1 record this past season. In Maryland, the Washington Commanders are coming off a disastrous end to the 2022 season and have no solution at quarterback right now.
Sure the Dallas Cowboys posted a 12-5 record a season ago. But Mike McCarthy’s squad was as inconsistent as it gets. Dallas also finds itself in salary cap hell and boasting a quarterback in Dak Prescott who regressed a great deal last season.
What does this mean? The NFC East should be Philadelphia’s for the taking in 2023. As we saw with the team running roughshod through the NFC Playoffs this past season, that could be a boon for Sirianni and Co. Lincoln Financial Field is a true home-field advantage. Winning the NFC East would go a long way in making sure the NFC Playoffs goes through that venue next season.