The Eagles are in Kenny Pickett’s blood.
Lengthy earlier than he was their backup quarterback, Pickett grew up as an Eagles fan in Ocean Township, N.J.
And lengthy earlier than he was born, Pickett’s father and grandfather have been going to video games collectively at Veterans Stadium.
Pickett’s household might be within the crowd for Sunday’s recreation, when he’s one play away from being on the sphere in his first season restarting his profession after two years because the Steelers starter.
“It’s extremely particular to be right here,’’ the 2022 first-round draft choose mentioned. “Phrases actually can’t describe it. My dad handed down Eagles fandom to me and we ended up going to a bunch of video games. To see it full circle is fairly superior.’’
Acquainted foes
They don’t play in the identical convention, in fact, however the Eagles and the Chiefs are acquainted foes based mostly on latest scheduling. They’ve squared off solely 11 occasions in 64 years, however they’ve confronted one another 4 occasions prior to now 4 years, counting the Chiefs 38-35 victory over the Eagles within the Tremendous Bowl two years in the past.
“What I see on tape is, I see simply the element, they’ve top-notch gamers, and a lot respect for coach [Andy] Reid and his workers for the element. I feel the element sort of oozes off the tape with the best way they run block, with the best way they’re at all times on the identical web page,’’ Eagles coach Nick Sirianni mentioned. “I can’t inform you how a lot respect I’ve for that. You must be prepared to organize for all the pieces realizing they’ve top-of-the-line gamers of all time on their aspect with [Patrick] Mahomes and so they can do it many alternative methods.
“I see two groups which are extremely detailed and extremely expert who’re about to battle one another.’’
From Jets to Supe
Anthony Firkser’s season started in Florham Park and is ending on the Tremendous Bowl.
The Chiefs tight finish began the 12 months off on the Jets follow squad after signing with the group in coaching camp. Firkser performed in 4 video games for the Jets, primarily on particular groups. The group reduce him Oct. 31 and he joined the Chiefs follow squad two days later. He performed in three regular-season video games with Kansas Metropolis however has not appeared in a playoff recreation.
“It’s been slightly bit loopy,” Firkser mentioned. “I sort of began slightly late in coaching camp with the Jets. I’m grateful for that chance and I started working with a few of my previous Tennessee Titans coaches and work with Aaron Rodgers and Tyler Conklin. It was cool. Sadly, I used to be let go there however had a chance right here a couple of days later. I used to be grateful for that and have been making the most of being with this group.”
Firkser isn’t the one former Jet on the Chiefs follow squad. Jason Brownlee is also with the Chiefs after signing with the group on Jan. 15. He spent the entire common season on the Jets follow squad.
Firkser and Brownlee have gotten to play with Rodgers and Patrick Mahomes in the identical season.
“It’s actually cool with the ability to catch passes from them and follow with them,” Firkser mentioned.