Super Bowl History

 

By Andrew Rosario

 

When Super Bowl LVII (57) is played on Sunday, February 12^th in Glendale Arizona history will be made. For the first time in one of the day’s biggest event in sports the Philadelphia Eagles and the Kansas City Chiefs will be quarterbacked by two African Americans. Jalen Hurts led the Eagles over the San Fransisco 49ers in the NFC championship game 31-7. This after he took out division rivals New York Giants handily the week before 38-7. By all accounts, Hurts had a relatively modest game completing only 15 passes in 25 attempts for 121 yards and no passing touchdown, rushing for 1 touchdown. The offense, behind a solid offensive line opened up holes all game and finished with 144 rushing yards. Defensively, the defense knocked out third string rookie quarterback Brock Purdue early in the first quarter. Purdue attempted to come back later in the third quarter but was ineffective. His backup Josh Johnson threw for only 74 yard and had a costly fumble which the Eagles turned into a touchdown. Johnson was pressured every time he dropped back to pass in the 31-7 loss. It was later learned that Purdue would undergo surgery to repair a torn UCL ligament in his throwing elbow.

 

Hurts and the Eagles will now take on Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs after they came away with a hard fought AFC title game against the Cincinnati Bengals in what was a rematch of last year’s championship game. Mahomes, still hobbled with a high right ankle sprain, threw for 326 yards and 2 touchdowns, no interceptions in the 23-20 win. Poor officiating and a costly Bengals penalty late in the game led to Chiefs Harrison Butker game wining field goal. Kansas City was awarded an extra down when the refs missed a block in the back on a late punt return, The Cincinnati’s defensive end Joseph Ossian was flagged 15 yards when he shoved Mahomes after he scampered out of bounds. The 45 yards field goal with only 3 seconds left send Mahomes to his second Super Bowl. Head coach Andy Reid is taking his second team to the Super Bowl as he guided them to the big game as head coachof the Eagles.

 

Over the years, African American quarterbacks have been told they don’t have the mental skills to win at the highest level. This despite players like Doug Williams, Randall Cunningham, Warren Moon, Michael Vick, Steve McNair, Donovan McNabb, Cam Newton, Russell Wilson, Deshaun Watson, Lamar Jackson among a host of others that have had successful careers.

 

All eyes will be on Jalen Hurts and Patrick Mahomes when they arrive in Phoenix for Super Bowl LVII (57). Their quarterback credentials can no longer be questioned.