Over the decades — South Philadelphia stadiums have been rocking when the Eagles win an NFC Championship at home to advance to the Super Bowl — and Sunday was no exception. In 1980 — when Eagles running back Wilbert Montgomery blasted through the Cowboys defense for 42 yards to send Veterans Stadium into a frenzy, in 2018 when Nick Foles overwhelmed the visiting Minnesota Vikings 38–7, and in 2005 when Jim Johnson confounded Michael Vick’s Falcons by a score of 27–10. In the latter two games — the decibal level at Lincoln Financial Field was ear-popping.
Two weeks ago — during the Eagles win at the Linc 55–23 over Washington — Philadelphia utilized a little history to help to run over the Commanders. Prior to the game, The Eagles were the only team in NFL history to start two rookie defensive backs in the Conference Championship Game. It’s also the first time in franchise history that the Eagles have two rookie defensive backs nominated for the prestigious Rookie of the Year — presented by the Associated Press. Sunday’s South Philadelphia matchup also showcased the most points scored by a team in a Championship Game (55) and only the second team to eclipse 50 (the 1991 Buffalo Bills.) Jalen Hurts is now the playoff leader in rushing touchdowns for a NFL post-season quarterback. The Eagles are tied with the 1940 Chicago Bears with seven rushing touchdowns.
During the Great Depression the financially strapped then-professional football team in Philadelphia — The Frankford Yellow Jackets — were forced to play their final ever win against the Bears in 1931. It would be the last time that Philadelphia would win in Chicago in 68 years. In the 2023 NFC Championship Game with the Eagles pulling away from the Purdy-less 49ers — the crowd once again hit peak noise levels when Jalen Hurts ran in for the Eagles 39th rushing touchdown of the year to break a nearly one-hundred year-old record. That record was previously held by the first Professional football team in Philadelphia — the 1924 Frankford Yellow Jackets.
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