How the 2017 Philadelphia Eagles defied expectations to win their first Super Bowl title
In short: After losing their MVP-caliber quarterback to a torn ACL late in the season, the Philadelphia Eagles were widely written off as contenders. Yet, led by backup Nick Foles, they rallied to secure their first NFL championship since 1960, ending a 57-year drought in a historic Super Bowl LII victory.
The 2017 season marked the 85th year for the Philadelphia Eagles and their second under head coach Doug Pederson. The team began with a 2–1 start before embarking on a nine-game winning streak, matching a franchise record from 2003. By the end of the regular season, they finished with a 13–3 record, tying their 2004 franchise high for wins. Quarterback Carson Wentz was instrumental in this success, throwing for 3,296 yards and 33 touchdowns in 13 starts, positioning himself as a leading candidate for the NFL MVP award.
The trajectory of the season shifted dramatically in Week 14 against the Los Angeles Rams. While the Eagles clinched the NFC East title, Carson Wentz suffered a torn ACL, forcing backup Nick Foles into the starting role. Despite widespread doubt regarding the team's viability without Wentz, Foles led the squad through the playoffs. They defeated the Atlanta Falcons in the Divisional Round and routed the Minnesota Vikings in the NFC Championship Game to reach Super Bowl LII.
In the Super Bowl, the Eagles faced the defending champion New England Patriots. The game set an NFL record with 1,151 combined yards of offense. Foles, who threw for 373 yards and four touchdowns, was named the Super Bowl MVP as the Eagles won 41–33. This victory avenged the team's loss to the Patriots in Super Bowl XXXIX and secured Philadelphia's fourth NFL title overall. The win was particularly significant as it marked the first time since the 1995 Dallas Cowboys that a team avenged a prior Super Bowl loss against the same opponent.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: 2017 Philadelphia Eagles season
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