For Eagles Fans, a Super Bowl Conundrum: Who to Root For in the Big Game?
With their own team failing to make it to the championship game, Eagles fans might be struggling to muster up excitement for the big event. If the Birds were mediocre or downright bad, maybe this Sunday's showdown between the Seahawks and Patriots would be more enjoyable – but that's not the case here.
The Super Bowl features two teams with significantly longer odds than usual, making it a unique opportunity for Eagles fans to cheer on an underdog. However, which team should they support? Here's a breakdown of the reasons behind rooting for either the New England Patriots or the Seattle Seahawks.
If You Want Former Eagles to Win Rings
The Patriots have several former players with ties to the Eagles that might sway a fan's allegiance. Milton Williams, Mack Hollins, Christian Ellis, and Patrick Johnson are just a few examples of Eagles alumni currently playing for New England. Joining them is one-time practice squad member, Patrick Johnson.
If You Prefer Underdogs
Philly prides itself on being an underdog city, and their 2017-18 team was the ultimate example of this. The Seahawks are heavily favored to win over the Patriots, but cheering for them would essentially be rooting for an upset. With a fourth-and-a-half point difference in their favor, Seattle's chances of pulling off the impossible can't be ruled out.
If You Want Another Patriots Dynasty
It might seem counterintuitive, but some Eagles fans might root for another Patriots dynasty in the works. The NFL is at its best when it has an elite team vying for a championship, and New England fits the bill. With quarterback Drake Maye just 23 years old and still on his rookie contract, the Pats have a solid foundation for future success. In contrast, Seattle faces challenges like playing in the toughest division in football, Darnold's impending free agent departure, and less sustainable path forward.
If You Hold a Grudge Against the Patriots
Eagles fans might want to revisit past grievances against their rivals. The 2005 Super Bowl win came on the heels of Spygate and Deflategate scandals that tarnished the Patriots' reputation. If you still harbor resentment toward Bill Belichick and the Pats, cheering for Seattle could be a way to exact revenge.
If You Believe in Defense Winning Championships
Seattle boasts one of the NFL's top defenses this season, with metrics like DVOA and scoring defense placing them atop the list. The Patriots are good too but nowhere near as dominant. With such an impressive defensive unit leading their team, Seattle is worth cheering on for those who prioritize defense.
If You Believe in Second Chances
Darnold, quarterback of the Seahawks, has been through a tumultuous NFL journey – being drafted third overall, playing poorly for the Jets and Panthers, and eventually finding redemption with the Vikings. Now, leading Seattle to a Super Bowl berth, some might view Darnold as an underdog worth rooting for.
Ultimately, the choice is up to Eagles fans to decide who they want to support in the big game.
With their own team failing to make it to the championship game, Eagles fans might be struggling to muster up excitement for the big event. If the Birds were mediocre or downright bad, maybe this Sunday's showdown between the Seahawks and Patriots would be more enjoyable – but that's not the case here.
The Super Bowl features two teams with significantly longer odds than usual, making it a unique opportunity for Eagles fans to cheer on an underdog. However, which team should they support? Here's a breakdown of the reasons behind rooting for either the New England Patriots or the Seattle Seahawks.
If You Want Former Eagles to Win Rings
The Patriots have several former players with ties to the Eagles that might sway a fan's allegiance. Milton Williams, Mack Hollins, Christian Ellis, and Patrick Johnson are just a few examples of Eagles alumni currently playing for New England. Joining them is one-time practice squad member, Patrick Johnson.
If You Prefer Underdogs
Philly prides itself on being an underdog city, and their 2017-18 team was the ultimate example of this. The Seahawks are heavily favored to win over the Patriots, but cheering for them would essentially be rooting for an upset. With a fourth-and-a-half point difference in their favor, Seattle's chances of pulling off the impossible can't be ruled out.
If You Want Another Patriots Dynasty
It might seem counterintuitive, but some Eagles fans might root for another Patriots dynasty in the works. The NFL is at its best when it has an elite team vying for a championship, and New England fits the bill. With quarterback Drake Maye just 23 years old and still on his rookie contract, the Pats have a solid foundation for future success. In contrast, Seattle faces challenges like playing in the toughest division in football, Darnold's impending free agent departure, and less sustainable path forward.
If You Hold a Grudge Against the Patriots
Eagles fans might want to revisit past grievances against their rivals. The 2005 Super Bowl win came on the heels of Spygate and Deflategate scandals that tarnished the Patriots' reputation. If you still harbor resentment toward Bill Belichick and the Pats, cheering for Seattle could be a way to exact revenge.
If You Believe in Defense Winning Championships
Seattle boasts one of the NFL's top defenses this season, with metrics like DVOA and scoring defense placing them atop the list. The Patriots are good too but nowhere near as dominant. With such an impressive defensive unit leading their team, Seattle is worth cheering on for those who prioritize defense.
If You Believe in Second Chances
Darnold, quarterback of the Seahawks, has been through a tumultuous NFL journey – being drafted third overall, playing poorly for the Jets and Panthers, and eventually finding redemption with the Vikings. Now, leading Seattle to a Super Bowl berth, some might view Darnold as an underdog worth rooting for.
Ultimately, the choice is up to Eagles fans to decide who they want to support in the big game.
... Seattle's defense is straight fire 
, I don't think anyone should be surprised if they win this thing... The underdog mentality would bring a whole new level of excitement to the game 
! And you know what's even better? The drama surrounding it 
. I mean, let's be real, as an Eagles fan, it's hard not to root for the underdog - Seattle is like our little brother 
who needs a superhero cape 
. I personally think I'll go with the underdog vibes - what's more Philly than feeling for someone who's gotta pull off an upset? 
As an outsider observer, it seems that the Seahawks' underdog status could actually be a blessing in disguise for Eagles fans looking to root for an upset. The Patriots' dynasty narrative might also appeal to those who value consistency and team stability. However, I'm more intrigued by the personal connections between former Eagles players and their current teammates on the Patriots - it's almost as if the loyalty of these alumni could tip the scales in favor of supporting New England. 
But ultimately, it's up to individual fans to weigh their priorities and decide who they want to cheer for - after all, that's what makes this a thrilling spectator event! 
! And i feel bad for Darnold, he's been through some tough times in his career 
. But at the same time, cheering for Seattle might be like rubbing it in Patriots fans' faces a bit too much 
. What do u guys think tho? Should we root for the underdog or support another champ 
. But if you're an underdog city at heart, Seattle is the way to go 
. Either way, it's all about the gridiron 
and btw, i love how the article breaks down all the different reasons why fans might wanna support either team - it's like, really making me think about my own allegiances 
. Can't we just watch the game for the entertainment value instead of feelin' obligated to root for someone? Plus, if you wanna go all in on a team, why not choose one that's actually had some struggles like Seattle? They're like the underdog story, but without the whole "underdog" thing being kinda annoying 
.
i also feel bad for darnold he's been through so much in his career and it'd be amazing if he can lead the seahawks to a championship 
meanwhile darndell is getting his second chance and all i can think is... yeah lets root for him 
but honestly if ur a true philly fan at heart, cheering for seattle could be a great way to show u love for the underdog spirit 
pats are loaded with talent but seahawks defense is straight fire 
.