Miles Sanders, Eagles D, Punch NFC’s ticket to Super Bowl LVII

Miles Sanders ran for 42 yards and two touchdowns as the Philadelphia Eagles rode an old-school philosophy to victory and a berth in Super Bowl LVII.

A 31-7 win over the San Francisco 49ers sends the top-seeded squad in the NFC to Glendale with the George Halas Trophy, a new hat, and a new t-shirt to the wardrobe.

Jalen Hurts has been marvelous, with only one game missed due to injury. Hurts went 15-25 for 121 yards and a rushing touchdown in the win. Boston Scott also had a rushing touchdown in the victory. Now, Hurts and the Birds are off to Arizona

But they will have to play like they played against San Francisco, only better, should they want to bring home their second Lombardi trophy in franchise history.

Early on, Devonta Smith made a highlight-reel catch, but it wasn’t a catch, yet officiating let it slide. That led to a Sanders touchdown. San Francisco’s Brock Purdy would then get hit on a pass attempt by Eagles pass rusher Haason Reddick and would be subbed out for veteran journeyman Josh Johnson. That did little to help San Francisco.

Johnson would finish 7-13 for 74 yards, and Purdy went 4-4 for 23 yards while running back Christian McCaffrey scored the lone touchdown for the 49ers. Despite the 49ers’ defense putting up a fight, injured and all, this game belonged to Philadelphia. The undisciplined nature didn’t help San Francisco either, with 11 penalties compared to Philly’s 4.

Having said that, the scuffle near the end of the game was beyond unacceptable on both sides. Eagles safety K’Von Wallace was ejected along with San Francisco offensive tackle Trent Williams. Whether or not Wallace will be inactive for the Super Bowl remains to be seen.

Miles Sanders and the Eagles’ defense secured the NFC’s representative role in Super Bowl LVII.

Multiple celebrities were in attendance, including superfan Bradley Cooper, comedian Kevin Hart, 76ers star Joel Embiid, Angels star Mike Trout, and NBC’s Savannah Guthrie. In front of its loyal fans, Philadelphia showcased its city’s trademark of physicality and now has a daunting challenge ahead of them.

Their next opponent is either Kansas City or Cincinnati, pending the outcome of the AFC Championship game. It is safe to assume that Philly will likely be an underdog heading into the big game in Glendale, and it has served them well in the past; notably, their Super Bowl LII run that earned them their first title. Don’t count out a Philly Special returning to the big game; it is more than likely to occur.

Having said that, it shouldn’t come as a surprise. Philadelphia was the best team in the NFC all season. They made big trades, notably for AJ Brown, and they signed veteran pass rushers, including Reddick; they have been mainly a healthy bunch for much of the year.

Yet, the task of winning the Super Bowl will be a daunting one. Whoever wins the AFC will be a challenge, and it will be up to the Eagles’ coaching staff to create a game plan that will enable them to come back with a Super Bowl trophy. For now, they can breathe a sigh of relief, knowing they are bound for the desert.

Congratulations to the Philadelphia Eagles, the 2022 NFC Champions. They are bound for Super Bowl LVII.