How the Eagles Won the Super Bowl Thanks to the Same Qualities Eric Dickerson Displayed with Duke Football
The Super Bowl is often seen as the ultimate culmination of talent, teamwork, and strategic brilliance in the world of professional football. The Philadelphia Eagles’ 2018 Super Bowl victory stands as one of the most thrilling and historic moments in the sport’s history, as they toppled the New England Patriots in an unforgettable battle. While many factors contributed to the Eagles’ success, there was a common thread running through their play that harkened back to the qualities displayed by another icon of football—Eric Dickerson.
Eric Dickerson, a legend who made his name in the NFL, is widely known for his breathtaking speed, ability to read defenses, and relentless drive. Yet, perhaps less widely recognized is how those very same attributes were demonstrated in his football career at Duke University. His time at Duke, though less celebrated than his later professional years, shaped a player who would go on to become one of the NFL’s greatest running backs. When examining the Eagles’ approach to their Super Bowl win, the parallels between Dickerson’s characteristics during his time at Duke and those seen in the Eagles’ victorious season are striking.
The qualities that Dickerson embodied—speed, vision, work ethic, and mental toughness—played a significant role in shaping his success at the college level and later in the NFL. These same qualities were echoed in the play of the Eagles throughout their Super Bowl run. From their lightning-fast offensive schemes to their ability to stay focused under pressure, the Eagles reflected the type of dominance and mindset Dickerson embodied during his days at Duke.
Eric Dickerson’s Foundation at Duke
Before his legendary NFL career with the Los Angeles Rams, Eric Dickerson’s football journey began at Duke University in the early 1980s. Known for his electrifying running style and unmatched field vision, Dickerson quickly established himself as a star at the collegiate level. Though he only spent a brief time at Duke, Dickerson’s impact was immediately felt. His quickness, explosive speed, and uncanny ability to see running lanes that other players couldn’t—qualities that became his signature in the NFL—were all developed during his time with the Blue Devils.
Dickerson’s most significant contribution at Duke was the way he transformed the football program. He showcased an ability to break through tackles, accelerate in the open field, and possess the mental fortitude to push through adversity. While Duke’s football program may not have achieved the same national recognition as some of the other major programs at the time, Dickerson’s performances were evidence of the immense talent and work ethic he brought to the game.
His time at Duke was marked by his relentless pursuit of greatness, making his rise to the NFL not only a product of his physical gifts but also of his ability to lead and inspire those around him. Even in his college years, Dickerson showed signs of the determination and commitment that would later help him break records and become one of the NFL’s greatest running backs.
The Eagles’ 2018 Super Bowl Run: A Parallels to Dickerson’s Qualities
The Philadelphia Eagles’ Super Bowl win over the New England Patriots in 2018 was more than just a championship; it was the result of a deeply ingrained culture of teamwork, resilience, and unrelenting drive. Under the leadership of head coach Doug Pederson, the Eagles put together a remarkable season marked by both offensive fireworks and defensive grit. And it was the qualities that Eric Dickerson had displayed on the field that mirrored the Eagles’ approach to the game, both in terms of strategy and execution.
1. Speed and Quick Thinking: The Eagles’ Fast-Paced Offense
One of the hallmarks of Dickerson’s playing style was his remarkable speed. He wasn’t just fast; he was explosive. Whether breaking off a 50-yard run or cutting through traffic with ease, Dickerson’s acceleration was unmatched. This attribute was cultivated during his time at Duke, where his ability to outrun defenders was evident every time he touched the ball.
The Eagles, too, were known for their speed. Quarterback Nick Foles, though not as fast as some of the game’s more mobile quarterbacks, still utilized quick thinking and rapid decision-making to keep defenses on their heels. The Eagles’ offense under Pederson was defined by its speed and tempo—quick passes, swift decision-making, and fast-paced drives that kept opposing teams scrambling. Just like Dickerson, who excelled at creating space for himself and outrunning defenders, the Eagles’ offense was designed to overwhelm defenses with speed and unpredictability.
One of the most notable moments of the Eagles’ Super Bowl victory came in the form of their infamous “Philly Special” play. This creative, lightning-fast trick play caught the Patriots’ defense off guard and resulted in a touchdown that would go down in history. The agility and swiftness with which the play was executed were reminiscent of Dickerson’s ability to make quick cuts and decisions that turned a potential loss into a huge gain.
2. Vision and Awareness: Reading the Field and Reacting
Dickerson was renowned for his ability to read defenses with unparalleled vision. His ability to sense holes in the defense and react quickly was one of his most defining qualities as a running back. At Duke, his football IQ and ability to quickly analyze defensive formations allowed him to make adjustments mid-play and carve out big runs.
Similarly, the Eagles’ offensive and defensive units were highly reactive, often reading the opposing team’s movements and counteracting them with precision. For example, Foles demonstrated excellent field awareness in the Super Bowl, quickly reading the defense and making the right passes to keep the chains moving. Whether it was his ability to adjust his throw or his deep throws to wide receivers like Alshon Jeffery, Foles exhibited the kind of vision that was akin to Dickerson’s playing style.
Defensively, the Eagles’ linebackers and defensive backs displayed remarkable awareness, often anticipating passes and jumping routes, much like Dickerson had the ability to anticipate where the defense would be and where his running lane would open up. This level of vision and awareness from both sides of the ball helped the Eagles counteract everything the Patriots threw at them in the Super Bowl.
3. Work Ethic and Perseverance: Never Backing Down from Adversity
Perhaps the most defining characteristic of Eric Dickerson’s career was his unwavering work ethic. Even when faced with adversity, Dickerson’s resilience never wavered. He was always willing to put in the work, whether it was in the weight room, on the practice field, or in his mental preparation. His dedication to improving every aspect of his game was one of the reasons he became one of the NFL’s greatest running backs.
The Eagles’ 2018 Super Bowl run was a testament to this same kind of perseverance. In the face of adversity, including injuries to key players like Carson Wentz, the Eagles refused to back down. They rallied around their backup quarterback, Nick Foles, and used the collective work ethic of the team to push through. Foles, in particular, demonstrated a kind of mental toughness that echoed Dickerson’s commitment to excellence. He played with confidence and poise throughout the postseason, leading the team to a victory in Super Bowl LII, all while dealing with the immense pressure of stepping in for the injured Wentz.
The Eagles’ defense also embodied this quality, with players like Fletcher Cox and Brandon Graham showing an unwavering desire to pressure Tom Brady. Graham’s iconic strip-sack of Brady in the Super Bowl was the culmination of a relentless work ethic, a moment where every ounce of effort paid off in securing the team’s victory.
4. Mental Toughness: Handling the Big Moments
Both Eric Dickerson and the Eagles were defined by their mental toughness. Dickerson was known for performing under pressure, whether it was on the biggest stages of the NFL or in the heat of competition at Duke. His ability to thrive in clutch moments was part of what made him so dangerous as a player.
Similarly, the Eagles proved their mental toughness in Super Bowl LII. When the game came down to the final moments, and the Patriots were on the verge of staging a comeback, the Eagles never wavered. They remained composed, made the plays they needed to make, and refused to let the game slip away. Much like Dickerson’s career, their performance was a perfect example of how mental strength can separate the great players and teams from the rest.