From Deseret News archives:
Eagles' demeanor belies history, odds
They are supposed to be Super Bowl underdogs, fraught with first-time jitters and wide-eyed wonder. Instead, they are loose and talkative, witty and confident.
They play the mighty New England Patriots, the defending champions on the verge of a dynasty.
But it's the Eagles who walk with a swagger, even though they last won an NFL title when Eisenhower was starting his final year in the White House.
"You turn on the TV and all you hear about is how great the dynasty of the New England Patriots is," defensive tackle Corey Simon said. "This team has some credentials of its own, being able to go to four NFC championship games, which takes work. That doesn't just happen.
"We're not getting any respect by being out here. Nobody expects us to win. It's kind of like the David-and-Goliath thing. The only thing is, David won that battle. We come out here with that same mentality."
While New England took a more businesslike approach this week, bordering on being a little uptight, the Eagles enjoyed their trip. Players whipped out their camcorders on the plane ride from Philadelphia and brought them again on media day, making sure to capture the atmosphere that surrounds such a big game.
Donovan McNabb joked with reporters. Terrell Owens mixed in several one-liners. Dhani Jones hawked his bow ties.
Freddie Mitchell was his typical chatty self, talking about any subject with every person who stuck a microphone, tape recorder or camera in his face.
"We're a loose team naturally because of the guys we have on the team," running back Brian Westbrook said. "We're a team that has fun, but also gets the job done at the same time. We're a level-headed type team. We're a team that has a workman-type attitude. We've played in big games before."
The Eagles (15-3) dominated the NFC this season, winning nine games by double-digit margins, five of them by at least 21 points. Even without Owens, the injured All-Pro receiver, they outscored Minnesota and Atlanta 54-24 in the playoffs.
The Patriots (16-2) again shut down league MVP Peyton Manning and the rest of the Indianapolis Colts in the playoffs, then overwhelmed rookie quarterback Ben Roethlisberger in beating the Steelers in Pittsburgh in the AFC Championship game.
Comments
- NFL: Week 12 recap 12:50 a.m.
- '12 Days' bill would top $87K 12:35 a.m.
- Study finds autism therapy works 12:35 a.m.
- Boy shot following traffic stop 12:35 a.m.
- Sports on the air 12:24 a.m.
- Herbert builds his team of rivals 12:21 a.m.
- Corroon a step closer to governor 12:21 a.m.
- Monday on TV 12:18 a.m.
- Editorial: East, West and religion 12:17 a.m.
- A deficit commission? 12:17 a.m.
- Hall mouths off about hate of Utah
- BYU is champion of the state
- Cougars beat Utes in overtime
- Credit Coug defense for win
- Marriage definitions vary widely
- Field goals, penalties doomed Utes
- Cougar defense rose to occasion
- Banged up Jazz get best of Blazers
- Jones' joy for life remembered
- Fantasy is reality for BYU professor
- Hall mouths off about hate of Utah
869 - Cougars beat Utes in overtime
473 - Max Hall issues apology
145 - BYU is champion of the state
137 - Man trapped in Nutty Putty cave dies
117 - Cave to be sealed with body inside
116 - Rivalry Week is highly profane
90 - Hall's legacy measured today
79 - Hall's pain reflects self-betrayal
68 - Utes fall to Seattle U. at home
65
We learned a bit more about the basketball team after this weekend.
There are 14 BYU players from Salt Lake Valley. And there are four Utah...
I find it interesting that many of the same people who say that we can't...
None of these teams is going to be easy. They all have fine football...
Max, no apology was necessary, but the apology was polically correct. If...
Very good piece of writing, Amy. You summarized what many of us have been...
How is a top 25 finish make Utah a top twenty team? I think what the poster...
90% of the BYU & Utah fans have class, and Hall knows it. If you don't...
This might be my favorite article I've ever read from the Deseret News. Kudos.
Thank you for not giving up and don't give up now brother and sister...
Dr. Lois Lee's work with children who are victims of child sexual...
Look at the preview for Pixar's "Up". The whole move is summarized in...



You can be the first to comment on this story.