It's Super Bowl week! While this won't exactly be as electric as it was last year for Philadelphia Eagles fans following a disappointing playoff run, it does mean fans can watch a game that promises to be as explosive as any, without spending it biting nails or pacing the room (although I know which I'd prefer). But which team should you root for?
On one hand, you have the New England Patriots. Led by Drake 'Drake Maye' Maye, the main knock against their euphoric rise has been the strength of schedule they played, and the unlikely blemish on their otherwise remarkable record, which came at the expense of the Raiders.
With that said, the Pats look to finally be turning a corner. Mike Vrabel has been able to produce what we all knew he could - a culturally solid team that plays hard, and has rallied around a young and emerging quarterback who can make all the throws, behind a dominant run-game.
Eagles fans might find it difficult to root for the Patriots this weekend due to their history, but at this stage, the heartbreak and controversy surrounding 2005 is easily forgotten for many. The Eagles got their lick back in 2017 in the most incredible circumstances the sport has arguably ever seen, and then went on to win another a few years later. Ending two dynasties is certainly one way to draw a line in the sand, and the Pats do have some former Birds on their team.
Most notably, Milton Williams. After breaking out in Philadelphia and playing a key cog in their Super Bowl win, the Louisiana Tech product took his talents to Boston where he put up 3.5 sacks and 8 QB hits in his first season. He's been invaluable for the rampant Pats defense and of course. He's not the only name either. 'Backpack' Mack Hollins and LB Christian Elliss have both carved out big roles on this New England team.
Whether or not you root for the Patriots will likely come down to preference. Do you prefer to see former Eagles doing well, or root for a team that's much closer in trajectory to the miracle win of 2017?
As aforementioned, the Seahawks are embarking on a sensational journey. Who would've thought Sam Darnold would be playing in the Super Bowl this year when previewing the season?
The Seahawks have long had elite wideouts (Tyler Lockett, D.K Metcalf, and now JSN), but have rarely been able to find the missing pieces needed to make a run. Speaking of a 'run', the dual-headed rushing attack of Kenneth Walker III and Zach Charbonnet has worked wonders this year, and even though Charbonnet's season ended prematurely, underrated back George Holani has done well in his place.
Seattle's impressive defensive efforts have only fortified this team in the moments the offense struggles. This is a team vastly outperforming expectations and it is one that Eagles fans are bound to feel more of a connection to.
To put a cherry on the cake, former Eagles CB, Josh Jobe has played over 800 snaps for Seattle this year, picking off a pass and ranking 12th out of all corners in PBU's. A lot of Philly fans were pushing for Jobe to make a run at CB2 before the team drafted Quinyon Mitchell, and it's been great to see him kick on elsewhere.
It all comes down to preference. If you still hold a grudge against the Patriots, then maybe the Seahawks are the best bet. But if you have a soft spot for former Eagles and a team that has also weirdly adapted the 'we all we got, we all we need' mantra, then maybe the Patriots.
No matter how you decide to approach the game, the main thing is you enjoy it! We'll have a guide over the coming days of the best spots to watch the Super Bowl on Sunday, in case you're still trying to find a good place with great food for the biggest night of the NFL season.
