With Super Bowl LV less than a week away, Eagles fans are likely feeling a little extra nostalgic about this time three years ago, when the Birds capped off their improbable playoff run with the perfect Super Bowl win.
The most iconic moment from Super Bowl LII was undoubtedly Philly Special, and it feels like we've broken down every single angle, anecdote, and explanation about the play call.
But on a new episode of his podcast with Chris Maragos, Eagles legend and Super Bowl MVP Nick Foles revealed a little nugget of new information about the moments before the play went down.
Stay in the game with the latest updates on your beloved Philadelphia sports teams! Sign up here for our All Access Daily newsletter.
Specifically, Foles explained which play now-former head coach Doug Pederson had called before the Eagles took the timeout and Foles changed history:
"I'm glad there was a timeout, and Trey you'll remember this play, but you probably don't know this was the play call before the Philly Special was run, before the timeout: we were going to run Speed O Left on 4th & 1.
"When we called timeout, I think my gut went, 'Hey, it's Philly Special time. If we're going to run a Speed O play, then let's just run Philly Special, because Speed O is just a speed option.'
"That play in practice, it never went well. I think we might've had a fumble returned for six in practice. So right away I'm like, 'Oh no. I can run this little speed option, but I'm probably not going to be keeping it.' So I ran over to Doug and asked him."
NFL
A speed option, eh? Very interesting. Foles isn't exactly the most dynamic open-space runner in the world, and much was made about Pederson re-tooling the playbook to fit Foles' strengths during that playoff run.
The Eagles used speed option numerous times that season and the following season, but normally with Carson Wentz under center.
For reference, here's a compilation of some speed options from former Eagles head coach Chip Kelly during his days at Oregon:
It's possible the call would've worked, and we all would've found some fun catchphrase for the play that isn't Philly Special, but it's also possible the play fails, the Eagles lose their momentum before halftime, and the game shakes out differently.
If Foles didn't feel good heading into the play, I'm glad he made that legendary call during the timeout.
Because he nailed it.
Subscribe to the Eagle Eye podcast:
Apple Podcasts | Google Play | Spotify | Stitcher | Art19 | Watch on YouTube