The Philadelphia Eagles came agonizingly close to winning it all. After a close 35-38 loss to the Chiefs in Super Bowl LVII, Eagles fans were in a somber mood. But that quickly morphed into indignation and even rage as alternate theories began to emerge. International music sensation Rihanna was supposed to take the spotlight, but the slippery field in State Farm Stadium stole the show and enraged the NFL world. It’s not unusual for disappointed fans to blame circumstances for a particularly brutal loss. But, the playing conditions were noticeably bad.
One theory, in particular, has created a narrative of its own. Fans are sure of the bias shown to the Chiefs because of Super Bowl groundskeeper George Toma’s affiliation with the team. Keeping the bad playing conditions at the forefront, here’s what their General Manager had to say.
Can the slippery field excuse be used to justify the Philadelphia Eagles’ agonizing Super Bowl loss?
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Anyone who watched Sunday’s Super Bowl faceoff witnessed players slipping around more than a couple of times. For a field that cost $800,000, the league’s investment looked far from the high standard a Super Bowl game calls for. The Philadelphia Eagles could’ve easily blamed their loss on the subpar field. But GM Howie Roseman took a firm stance on the matter.
Asserting that the conditions were not to be blamed he simply stated, “Both teams played on the same field.”
#Eagles GM Howie Roseman on the field conditions for the Super Bowl: “Both teams played on the same field.”
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) February 16, 2023
While Roseman didn’t condone any excuse, fans gave life to another theory. Questions regarding the reasons behind the Chiefs’ lack of visible gear change in comparison to the Eagles’ cleat changes to adapt to the field were raised. Some fingers pointed at George Toma and his love for the Chiefs. But, at the end of the day, the hard-fought battle came down to a nail-biting finish that cannot be reversed. Here’s how the NFL world reacted to Roseman’s statements.
Eagles fans aren’t too impressed, but there’s not much that can be done
The NFL world had a myriad of thoughts on the matter. One fan stated an observation.
Still can’t help to think this helped KC a little more. Eagles front line and edge rushers were better. Tying a league record in sacks. Can’t tell me that field didn’t slow them down a little
— Murph (@J_M_G_M_) February 16, 2023
Another user exclaimed.
Eagles fans will not like this
— StroudforQB1 (@Averagenflfa) February 16, 2023
One user appreciated Roseman’s words.
Finally, some logical thinking
— Quilli (@MFFL_Johnny) February 16, 2023
Other users appreciated the team’s reaction to the loss.
Insane how humble the Eagles organization has been tbh
— ☔️ (@DaemonApologist) February 16, 2023
Respect for how the Eagles are handling the loss. A lot better than many NFL fans
— Jake (@j_rosen12) February 16, 2023
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One fan pointed fingers at ‘The Sodfather’ aka George Toma.
The sodfather is a diehard Chiefs fans, cmon
— Scott Calvin (@andrewsenna13) February 16, 2023
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While the most bizarre theories can be pieced together based on the smallest of details, the Eagles’ unwillingness to lean on excuses is commendable. While Philly fans take some time to nurse their wounds, they will hope that next season holds retribution in light of their painful ‘almost victory’ in the Super Bowl showdown.
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