[Podcast] History: The Philly Special, The Greatest Play of the Eagles

Title: The Philly Special: The Greatest Play of the Philadelphia Eagles

In the annals of American football, there are certain plays that stand out for their audacity, execution, and impact. One such play is the ‘Philly Special,’ a trick play that has become synonymous with the Philadelphia Eagles’ first Super Bowl victory in 2018. This article will delve into the history of this iconic play, its execution, and its significance in the Eagles’ storied history.

The Setting

The stage was set on February 4, 2018, at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota, for Super Bowl LII. The Philadelphia Eagles were facing off against the New England Patriots, one of the most successful teams in NFL history. The Eagles, on the other hand, were seeking their first Super Bowl win.

The Play

With 38 seconds left in the second quarter and the Eagles leading 15-12, Philadelphia found themselves on New England’s one-yard line on fourth down. Instead of opting for a field goal, head coach Doug Pederson decided to go for it with a trick play that would go down in history.

The play began with quarterback Nick Foles lining up in the shotgun formation before motioning to the right of the offensive line, seemingly to relay a message. As the ball was snapped, it bypassed Foles and went directly to running back Corey Clement who ran left. Clement then pitched the ball to tight end Trey Burton, who had looped around from the right. Burton, a former high school quarterback, then threw a perfect pass to Foles who had slipped into the end zone unnoticed by the Patriots’ defense. Foles caught the ball, scoring a touchdown and leaving spectators and commentators alike stunned.

The Aftermath

The ‘Philly Special’ gave the Eagles a 22-12 lead going into halftime, providing a significant morale boost. The Eagles would go on to win the game 41-33, securing their first Super Bowl victory. The play was hailed as a stroke of genius, encapsulating the bold and aggressive style of play that had characterized the Eagles’ season.

The Legacy

The ‘Philly Special’ has since become a part of Philadelphia folklore. It was a play that showcased the Eagles’ audacity, creativity, and willingness to take risks. It was a testament to the team’s belief in their abilities and their determination to seize the moment.

The play has been immortalized in various forms, from t-shirts and posters to a statue outside the Eagles’ home stadium, Lincoln Financial Field. The ‘Philly Special’ is now a staple in the playbook of many high school and college teams, a testament to its impact and effectiveness.

In Conclusion

The ‘Philly Special’ is more than just a football play. It is a symbol of the Philadelphia Eagles’ resilience, creativity, and audacity. It encapsulates a moment when the underdogs dared to dream big and defied the odds to secure their place in history. It is, without a doubt, the greatest play in the history of the Philadelphia Eagles.