Eagles block out distractions, focus on Super Bowl rematch with Chiefs

The Kansas City Chiefs are getting a lot of attention this week as their quest for a record third straight Super Bowl victory gets underway. Quietly, however, the Philadelphia Eagles are motivated to put an end to the Chiefs’ run and get a little payback after their loss to Kansas City in the 2023 Super Bowl. 

“Every team is different, every year is different, but the motivation is definitely there and hopefully we use it to our advantage,” Eagles offensive lineman Lane Johnson said.   

Can the Eagles stay focused on the task at hand? The Super Bowl hype machine is about to kick into high gear.

Both teams will leave for New Orleans the weekend of Feb. 1 and immediately be put into the media spotlight. Eagles wide receiver AJ Brown was asked about the additional distractions that come with being one of the final two teams left standing.  

“Every writer is gonna hang on every word you say to get a headline to talk about, every writer, every media member, is gonna try to get you on their show to talk about the game, talk about this and that and it’s only a distraction.” Brown said. “It only takes away from what’s important and that’s the game”   

While those media narratives seem to be all about the Chiefs right now, the Eagles are on an amazing run, having won 15 of their last 16 games.

Offensive lineman Jordan Mailata said Thursday, Jan. 30, when the Eagles watched the Chiefs beat Buffalo in the AFC Championship, they started mentally preparing for the rematch.

“It’s an opportunity to get back [at the Chiefs], but then it is the next game,” Mailata said. “Can’t lose focus of that, can’t let your emotions get the better of you because you want to get back but that’s the message.”  

Mailata admitted losing the 2023 Super Bowl to the Chiefs still hurts but he believes this Eagles team is closer now and that will help them in the rematch next Sunday, Feb 9.