Nick Foles Reveals Eagles Almost Ruined Philly Special by Running it a Week Too Early
The "Philly Special" has gone down as one of the more famous plays in recent NFL history and is certainly atop any list for Philadelphia Eagles fans. You all recall the particulars, right? The Eagles faced a fourth down near the goal line while holding a 15-12 lead over the New England Patriots before halftime of Super Bowl LII. Doug Pederson stayed aggressive, and the result was Nick Foles catching a touchdown pass on the legendary play.
It turns out the Eagles nearly showed their hand too soon. Foles recently revealed Pederson wanted to run the play in the NFC Championship Game when the Eagles already had a huge lead. The quarterback talked him out of it, and Eagles fans should be ecstatic about that.
The Philly Special is one of the most legendary plays in NFL history because the Eagles used it against the Patriots in their incredible Super Bowl LII win.
— NBC Sports Philadelphia (@NBCSPhilly) May 29, 2020
It almost didn’t happen like that. https://t.co/VZe1ROMmPY
Foles credited a rib injury for making him convince Pederson to not run the play. Holding a big lead helped sway the coach as well. That left the play off the film, and the Patriots had no idea what was coming.
Nick Foles said the #Eagles almost wasted the Philly Special in the NFC Championship blowout. ?
— Eagles Nation (@PHLEaglesNation) May 29, 2020
Doug Pederson wanted to run the play while up 31-7 against the #Vikings, and Foles said “Eh, we don’t really need it. We’re up by so much. Lets not waste it.”
Good call, Nick. pic.twitter.com/2G2UQU85DA
The high-scoring game ended with the Eagles winning 41-33. The "Philly Special" gave the team a 22-12 lead at halftime and totally changed the strategy for New England. The call was a gutsy one, and Eagles fans now have one more reason to appreciate Foles as he remains one of the more unique legends in professional sports.