The Philadelphia Eagles dominated in their 55-23 victory over the Washington Commanders in the NFC Championship game. The Eagles’ defense forced five turnovers in the game, with linebacker Oren Burks forcing a pivotal fumble late in the third quarter. Burks helped punch his ticket to his second straight Super Bowl. This time around, though, Burks is hoping for a different result.
Burks, the former third-round pick of the Green Bay Packers, was thrust into starting in Super Bowl 58 when San Francisco 49ers star linebacker Dre Greenlaw ruptured his Achilles while running onto the field. From that moment forward, Burks became the Kansas City Chiefs and Patrick Mahomes’ primary target. Burks was targeted nine times, allowed nine receptions, and earned a 35.3 Pro Football Focus grade in 71 snaps. Burks has to fill in for his team’s injured starting linebacker again, but he’s more prepared this time.
Eagles Linebacker Oren Burks will have the opportunity to gain redemption for his previous Super Bowl performance against the Chiefs
Stepping Up When It Counts
Burks set the tone for the Eagles’ playoff run, forcing a fumble on the opening kickoff in their wild-card round victory over the Packers. Burks struggled with a few missed tackles when he had to abruptly come into the game following Nakobe Dean suffering a season-ending injury. Questions arose about whether Burks should remain the starting linebacker or not heading into the Eagles divisional matchup against the Los Angeles Rams.
Burks quieted down talks of replacing him following his performance against the Rams. In the game, he had two tackles for loss and a pass deflection. Burks followed his Rams performance up with another strong outing against the Commanders. In the NFC Championship game, Burks put on an outstanding performance. He had nine tackles, one tackle for loss, one sack, and one forced fumble.
Playing Time Matters
The most snaps Burks saw on defense in the playoffs entering the Super Bowl last season was 20. In the Super Bowl, the number jumped to 71 snaps. Jumping 51 snaps on the grandest stage against a Hall of Fame coach, quarterback, and tight end would be disorienting for almost any player in that position. Due to the unfortunate circumstances of Dean’s season-ending injury, Burks has received plenty of reps during this playoff run. Against the Packers, he played 36 of 66 snaps; against the Rams, 68 of 71 snaps; and against the Commanders, Burks played 71 of 79 snaps. While some thought Burks might split time with rookie Jeremiah Trotter Jr, it has been made clear that Burks is the starter.
Super Bowl 59 offers redemption for several Eagles who lost to the Chiefs two years ago. Jalen Hurts wants to avenge his fumble. Defensive players like Darius Slay, and C.J. Gardner Johnson want to show the secondary has improved. And Burks has his own Chiefs demons that he needs to slay.
Main Image: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
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