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We’re finally here. After routing the Washington Commanders 55-23 in the NFC Championship Game, the Philadelphia Eagles are set to face off in New Orleans this Super Bowl Sunday against the Kansas City Chiefs. The game will be a rematch of Super Bowl LVII; one in which the Eagles fell to the Chiefs by a score of 38-35. It was a painful moment for Eagles fans everywhere, and both players and fans are looking to avenge the loss and stop the Chiefs from becoming the first-ever team to win three Super Bowls in a row. With the game less than a week away, I talked with some fans to gauge the energy and confidence of the Philly faithful.

Local fan Mike went shopping for groceries wearing his best Eagles gear: a Super Bowl LII Champions cap paired with a beautiful canvas NFC Champions jacket. Mike’s enthusiasm was evident not only in his outfit, but also in his conversation with me. “I feel confident, I feel awesome,” he responded when asked about his faith in the Eagles heading into Sunday’s matchup. “I think we’re going to kick ass and take names.” It’s easy to share in Mike’s infectious energy. Excluding the weeks where Jalen Hurts was injured, the Eagles have not lost a game since September. Though they suffered some significant injuries during the playoffs, losing Nakobe Dean for the year and Kenny Gainwell, Cam Jurgens and Landon Dickerson during the Commanders game, the coaching staff adapted adequately. Coordinators Vic Fangio and Kellen Moore have done enough to prove they can handle whatever Andy Reid chooses to throw at them.

Helen caught up with local Eagles fan Mike in the parking lot of a local shopping center. Like many throughout the area, he’s predicting a big win for the Birds in Sunday’s Super Bowl LIX. (Credit: Helen Behe)

Mike’s confidence was mirrored by Dave, another Philly fan who showed his pride during Super Bowl week with a classic Eagles sweater and baseball cap. Dave was more than happy to speak with me, since he had a special message to deliver to both the Eagles players and the readers of the Saucon Source: “Go Birds! And when I say go Birds, I mean kick some ass!”

Dave predicted the Eagles will “kick some ass” when they battle the Chiefs in the Super Bowl. (Credit: Helen Behe)

There are plenty of reasons to believe in this team, but they face a tall task going against Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs. Fans Lexi, Krista and Kirsten displayed their Eagles pride with hats and jackets while waitressing at Machs Gute Pub and Grill in Bethlehem. Like many Philly fans, the women were a jumble of anxiety and optimism. “I am one-thousand percent rooting for the Eagles and am really excited, even though I’m also extremely nervous!” Krista said. “I’m just hoping they don’t choke. I love this team and I’m so proud of them.” What stands out most about this Eagles team is their age—Philadelphia currently has the second youngest defense in the NFL. Quinyon Mitchell, Cooper DeJean, Nolan Smith and Jalen Carter, all players drafted by the Eagles who have been crucial to their postseason success, are no older than 24. They have played like veterans during this playoff run, and, as Lexi pointed out to me, more than deserve their rings.

Eagles Fans — Fans Lexi, Krista and Kirsten displayed their Eagles pride with hats and jackets while waitressing at Machs Gute Pub and Grill in Bethlehem. (Credit: Helen Behe)

“I think we’ve worked too hard this season for it to end without a win,” she said. “I’m nervous because you never know what can happen, but the Chiefs have had more than enough wins so now it’s our turn.”

One thing is for sure: this game will be exciting. Not only because of the Eagles, but because of the spectacle. “I’m excited for the halftime show and to see Taylor Swift’s outfit,” Kirsten shared. “I also can’t wait to see Jason Kelce cheering on the Eagles! I’ll be rooting hard for them, but I’m so nervous.”

Everyone’s at least a little nervous. The stakes are high for Super Bowl LIX. Nick Sirianni looks to silence the naysayers by defeating former Eagles head coach Andy Reid, thereby stopping the Chiefs from winning three Super Bowls in a row. The young Eagles defense is desperate to show that they can handle the best and come out on top, no matter how big the stage. Whitehall native Saquon Barkley turns 28 years old on Sunday, and wants to celebrate his birthday in the best way possible—by hoisting the Lombardi trophy.

Super Bowl LIX kicks off at 6:30 PM this Sunday, with Philadelphia once again choosing to wear their midnight green uniforms. So make some wings, wear your luckiest jersey and cheer loudly enough for the Eagles to hear you down in New Orleans! GO BIRDS!

Catch up on Helen’s Then & Now series about local history here.