Why 2025 is Better Than 2018

In 2018, as a follow-up to a successful 2017 campaign, the Philadelphia Eagles went on to beat both the Atlanta Falcons in the divisional round of the playoffs, and then the Minnesota Vikings in the NFC Conference Round of the playoffs, both games having been home games at Lincoln Financial Field in South Philly. These wins earned them a berth in Super Bowl LII at U.S. Bank Stadium in, ironically, Minnesota, against their AFC counterparts, the Mighty New England Patriots.

The city held it's breath from the first playoff game through the end of the Super Bowl, as their backup quarterback, Nick Foles, had become the starting quarterback several weeks before the playoffs began when Eagles starting quarterback Carson Wentz went down with a torn ACL in a division-clenching win against the Los Angeles Rams. Nick Foles's Eagles then went on to clinch a first round bye, and then home field advantage throughout the playoffs, with late season wins, to finish with a team-best record of 13-3.

This current (2025) Eagles Super Bowl win, however, was better than 2018… ‘18 was lightning in a bottle, a necessary and much appreciated popping of their cherry; the ‘25 team, on the other hand, was built for this, and has the potential to become a dynasty.

2018- lightning in a bottle.

Jalen Hurts is their “normal” starter, which feels to me better, from a sense that he and this team can repeat. No offense to (Saint) Nick Foles— his place in Eagle Nation’s history is assured— heck, we even built him and Coach Pederson a statue (“Philly Philly”) outside of the Linc to honor the accomplishment— but no one realistically thought that he could do it again. Thus the “Lightening in a Bottle” label— it looks great, it is great— but it’s a one-time spectacle.

The ‘25 team isn’t that kind of spectacle; the ‘25 team, led by our “regular” starting quarterback, can do it again. And again. And-- dare I say it— again.

And for the record, the Eagles have five world championship wins, not two. Just because it wasn’t yet called the Super Bowl doesn’t negate the wins!

© Ray Cattie