Former NFL head coach Bill Belichick recently appeared as a guest on the Letās Go podcast, where he shared his thoughts on the Super Bowl and named the Philadelphia Eagles as his top NFC contender ahead of the Detroit Lions.
Speaking about the Lionsā recent loss to the Buffalo Bills, Belichick stressed the importance of having a good defense to fight for a championship: āThat was a game really for both teams. Iād say a little bit of a reality check of whichever team won, obviously Buffalo won, the issues of giving up 40 points are concerning. You can outscore other teams, but itās hard to outscore all of the teams when you get into playoff football and to go all the way to a championship. I think that was a pretty good affirmation to me that whoever wins this year is going to have to be good on defense. Because these teams can score a lot of points but they also give up a lot of points.ā
The Eagles, on the other hand, have impressed Belichick. Their impressive 10-game winning streak, combined with the stellar performance of quarterback Jalen Hurts, has only reaffirmed his belief in their Super Bowl potential. When Belichick was asked which team he believes will excel in the Super Bowl competition, he answered: āStart with Philadelphia. ā
The Eaglesā strong performance in the 2024 NFL season
A strong defensive streak has been a key factor in the Eaglesā success, helping them limit opponentsā offensive output. In recent years, Super Bowl-winning teams have been known for their defensive prowess, and the Eagles are no exception, they rank among the NFLās top defensive teams. Maintaining a 12-2 record and showing consistency throughout the season, they havenāt lost a game since September 29, when they were defeated by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Bill Belichick, six-time Super Bowl champion
One of the standout performers for the Eagles has been defensive tackle Jalen Carter, who has been a dominant force in breaking down offensive lines and pressuring quarterbacks. In addition, cornerback Darius Slay has been a crucial part of the teamās defense. His leadership, experience, and ability to block opposing receivers have played a significant role in the Eaglesā defensive success.
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Jalen Hurts: They key to Eaglesā offensive success
While the Philadelphia Eaglesā defensive unit has been a key factor in their success, their offense, particularly the play of quarterback Jalen Hurts, has been just as pivotal in their rise. Hurtsā evolution as a passer, especially after the early-season drama with A.J. Brown, has been one of the most notable improvements this year. What many feared would be a disruption in the teamās offensive chemistry has, in fact, turned into a strength.
Despite concerns about the relationship between Hurts, Brown, and DeVonta Smith, the trioās on-field connection has been nothing short of spectacular. Hurtsā ability to read defenses and find the open man has elevated the Eaglesā passing game, an area that had previously been seen as a potential weakness. His understanding of the game, combined with his exceptional decision-making, has made the offense more dynamic and dangerous for opposing defenses.
