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Brandon Graham, the star defensive end for the Philadelphia Eagles, has spoken out about the slippery field conditions during Super Bowl LVII, suggesting that the Chiefs’ offensive line got “blessed” by the surface.
Despite their formidable defensive front, which came close to setting the record for most sacks by a team, the Eagles failed to sack Patrick Mahomes even once in their 38-35 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.
To add insult to injury, the Chiefs wore T-shirts with “0 sacks” printed on them during their victory parade, further highlighting the Eagles’ inability to bring down Mahomes.
#Chiefs o-linemen wore these shirts at today’s parade after allowing 0 sacks against the #Eagles defense in the Super Bowl. #ChiefsParade #FlyEaglesFly pic.twitter.com/5MAKmJr6No
— A2D Radio (NoNotes) (@a2dradio) February 15, 2023
The condition of the field at State Farm Stadium in Arizona became a topic of discussion following the Super Bowl, and the issue has resurfaced thanks to Graham’s recent comments. During an appearance on the Sports Take podcast, Graham revealed that players were slipping frequently throughout the game.
He specifically mentioned a notable instance when Eagles defensive end Josh Sweat slipped while attempting to sack Mahomes on the first drive. Graham stated that the slippery turf was on the team’s mind throughout their defeat, and they struggled to gain traction to effectively disengage from blocks.
While Graham did not want to make excuses, he acknowledged that the field conditions affected their performance. He remarked, “I’m telling you that O-line, they got blessed, I’ll say that.”
Graham credited the Chiefs for handling the situation better, as they also had to play on the same surface. However, he expressed his confidence that the Eagles would have another opportunity to face the Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium in November, providing them with a chance to prove themselves on a different field.
Football games, especially those of such magnitude as the Super Bowl, often require teams to adapt quickly to changing circumstances. It is not only about relying on individual strengths but also about making the necessary adjustments on the fly.
While the Eagles were unable to overcome the challenges posed by the slippery field in Super Bowl LVII, they are determined to learn from the experience and showcase their abilities in their upcoming rematch against the Chiefs.