PHILADELPHIA — The Philadelphia Eagles declared from the first day of training camp last summer and into the fall and winter throughout another season that included an NFC East Division title that the word “repeat” is not part of the locker-room vernacular for the team that won the most recent Super Bowl.
“We’re not defending nothing,” offensive lineman Jordan Mailata said.
However they want to spin it, this much is true: The Eagles are real contenders to repeat as NFL champions.
Yes, the offense has lacked the spark of the 2024 season, when every snap had the promise of a spectacular play. Yes, there’s been some unhappiness about everything from play calling to a worn-out offensive line to the kicking game. Even the Eagles’ playoff seeding — No. 3 in the NFC — was scrutinized after coach Nick Sirianni rested his starters in the regular-season finale, costing them a shot at the No. 2 seed and perhaps more home games.
The Eagles (11-6) believe little of that matters once they open their bid for a third Super Bowl appearance in four seasons Sunday, when the NFC West’s San Francisco 49ers (12-5) visit Lincoln Financial Field. San Francisco wound up seeded sixth after playing for No. 1 and home-field advantage throughout the postseason last weekend but falling short in a loss to the visiting Seattle Seahawks.