Predicting a winner in Super Bowl LII
Predicting a winner
{child_byline}By Eleanor Bailey
Almanac Sports Editor
ebailey@thealmanac.net{/child_byline}
In the heart of Steelers country, there are a few diehard Eagles’ fans. Three of them predict victory for Philadelphia over the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LII.
Not surprising, these Philly fanatics have good reason to root for the Eagles. Their relatives work for the franchise that captured the NFC championship with a 39-7 win against Minnesota.
Andy Weidl is the assistant director of player personnel and his younger brother, Casey is the college scouting coordinator. So naturally their parents, George and Joanne as well as brother, Brennen, are ardent supporters of the Eagles.
Brennan has solid, astute reasons for predicting an Eagles’ win.
“A lot of experts counted them out when Carson Wentz went down but the Eagles have the total team package with an outstanding defense, solid O-line and some key positional players. The front office/scouting department has done an outstanding job turning the 7-9 team around from last year with key draft picks, free agents and trades.”
Despite the Patriots being the heavy favorites, Joanne believes the Eagles have a “good change” to win for additional reasons.
“They are underdogs,” she acknowledged, “but their quarterback is performing well and the team plays so well together. I really have high hopes for them. I think it will be close but I think the Eagles will win. 32-28,” she predicted.
Prior to this year’s game, Brennen and George had attended only one Super Bowl. Brennen saw the Green Bay Packers derail the Steelers in Dallas in 2011. George traveled to New Orleans for the 2013 Super Bowl.
“That was when the power went out and everybody was wondering what was going on,” George noted of the 34-minute delay.
“So being a veteran of one Super Bowl,” he said with a laugh, “my prediction is Eagles 24-19.”
George obviously is looking forward to this event for more the fanfare. He’ll get to experience the parties, concerts, the anticipation and finally the game itself but most of all, he’ll get to witness the fruits of his children’s labors.
“That’s the best part,” he said. “I’m so proud of them.”