The Eagles’ Never-Ending Odyssey
The Philadelphia Eagles have been on a wild ride this season, and it’s not over yet. With one of the toughest schedules in the NFL, they kicked off their campaign in Brazil, facing abysmal field conditions in the first-ever NFL game in the country. After a grueling start, they flew back home, played three more games, and then had the earliest bye week possible. Since then, they’ve been on a roll, culminating in a Super Bowl appearance.
A Well-Deserved Break? Think Again
Now, you’d think the Eagles would get a breather, but no such luck. The NFL has other plans. They’re being sent on a 20+ hour journey to Australia, marking another home international game for the Birds. This means they won’t even get a break from travel once they return home. It’s a tough pill to swallow, especially considering they’ll have the second-shortest offseason in the league.
A Star is Born
One player who will shine bright in Australia is Jordan Mailata. From being drafted by the Eagles in 2018 without ever playing a snap of organized football to becoming a 2nd team All-Pro, his story is nothing short of remarkable. The Australian-born star has come a long way under the guidance of Jeff Stoutland, and now he’s set to play in his second Super Bowl. It’s only fitting that he gets to showcase his skills in front of his home crowd.
The Curse of Success
The Eagles’ success has become a double-edged sword. They’re too good, too marketable, and the NFL knows it. To make the league a global phenomenon, the NFL needs the Eagles’ story to be told on the international stage. This means they’ll rack up the miles, and their passionate fanbase might have to sacrifice one home game per year. It’s a heavy price to pay, but that’s the burden of being the Philadelphia Eagles.
A Glimmer of Hope
Perhaps, just perhaps, the NFL will take pity on the Eagles and facilitate a Myles Garrett trade to Howie Roseman. Imagine the impact of Jordan Mailata dominating on offense, followed by Jalen Carter and Myles Garrett wreaking havoc on defense. Australia might just forget about rugby. For now, all we can do is cheer on the Birds and hope for a more balanced schedule in the future.
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