Eagles Credit Last Year’s Adversity For This Year’s Success


To open Super Bowl LIX media night, Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts explained how the team’s loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LVII “lit a fire” in him that has since spread throughout the entire locker room.

“I’ve learned so much,” Hurts said Monday. “It’s the same as any other game. I think the moments are the moments. But ultimately, every game has its lessons – good, bad, or indifferent. So, just being able to become wiser, grow and mature, and take all these lessons in for the next season and the next games… It lit a flame, lit a fire in me, and to have this opportunity again is exactly what you work for.”

One day later, Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni echoed Hurts’ feelings, explaining how the team’s hardships have shaped its current identity.

“This game’s not easy. This game has its ups and downs. Seasons have ups and downs from year to year,” Sirianni said. “Well, that’s how a football game goes, right? Nobody in the NFL pitches a perfect game… You’re going to have bad plays. You’re going to have good plays. It’s about being able to focus your mindset on the next one.”

Sirianni added that Philadelphia’s adversity in 2023 led the team to this moment in 2025.

“This team’s embraced adversity,” he commented. “Even going back to the 2023 season – which we haven’t talked a lot about since the beginning of the year – we’re grateful for that. We’re thankful for that… I’m grateful for that because it shaped us into who we are now, and [it’s] a big reason why we’re back here sitting at this moment again. Embracing adversity is huge for your development as a person, as a player, as a coach.”

The 2023-24 season was a massive letdown for the Eagles. After starting the year 10-1, Philadelphia ended the regular season by losing five of its last six games. Philly was also embarrassed in the Wild Card Round after suffering a 32-9 loss to the 9-8 Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

“After a year like last year, heading into the new year, you don’t want to repeat that,” said offensive lineman Jordan Mailata. “It lit a lot of fire under a lot of guys on this team that are still here and part of this team now. I agree with what Nick [Sirianni] said and what Jalen [Hurts] said because you have to want to get to the highest stage you can, but you can only do that if you learn from your mistakes.”

Hopefully, the Eagles” mistakes won’t rear their ugly head this Sunday when they face the Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX.


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