NFL blames Eagles bad footing in Super Bowl loss on players choice in cleats

Following a heartbreaking loss in Super Bowl LVII and a disappointing close to the Philadelphia Eagles' 2022-2023 NFL season, the Birds, as you would have expected, handled the setback graciously. Hopefully, the San Francisco Forty-Whiners were paying attention.

James Bradberry took full responsibility for his late-game holding penalty even though both teams were guilty of such and the officials waited until the most critical juncture of the game to make a call that ultimately decided the game. Think about something though. Why would someone as intelligent as James Bradberry think the refs would have, as he stated, "let him get away with it"?

Forgive us for asking a question AND answering it, but that happens because the refs had allowed both teams some leeway throughout the contest and elected to make a game-altering call at the worst possible time. Again, you have to tip your cap to J.B. for taking the high road.

Throughout the offseason, the Birds have spent their time discussing how they intend to improve and, hopefully, get back to the game next February. Every question asked about the field conditions, for the most part, was answered in the same manner that vice president/general manager Howie Roseman answered when he was asked. "Both teams played on the same field".

Fans and members of the media are a different breed though. They are less forgiving, and they aren't having it. They continue to ask different questions. One is familiar. Why is it that one team, the guys decked out in midnight green, seemingly had more issues than the guys in white on red?

Almost five months after the discussions calmed about the groundskeeper, George Toma, being a Chiefs guy and K.C. clearly being better prepared for the slippery turf, the National Football League has offered its response.

The NFL privately blames the Eagles and 'wearing the wrong cleats' as questions continue about a subpar playing surface in Super Bowl LVII.

Well, this is interesting. While hanging out on social media and reading the debates between fans over Brandon Graham's recent interview on JAKIB Sports, one where he offered his opinion on the questionable playing surface on pro football's grandest stage, the NFL's league offices have made their statement.

First, let's revisit B.G.'s commentary from his recent discussion with Sports Take with Derrick Gunn & Rob Ellis.

"You need that traction to be able to get off the block and we were slipping a lot. I don't make excuses. I just know that that's what was being talked about, us trying to get out of our own head a little bit, too. I'm telling you that O-line, they got blessed, I'll say that"

Here's the NFL's response. Thank NBC Sports for the quote.

"Per a league source, the league blames the players for not wearing the right shoes. (The Eagles changed their cleats — and it didn’t seem to matter.)

Setting aside the fact that there should have been no reason for the teams to anticipate needing different types and sizes of cleats for a game that supposedly will be played under pristine conditions, the manner in which the field was torn up during the game shows that, regardless of whether the teams were able to properly adjust, the field never, ever should have been in that condition.

Not for the most-watched game of the season. Not for any game, if the league truly cares about the health and safety of the players."

- Mike Florio, Pro Football Talk

Does anyone else feel like blaming the players is a direct response to Graham's take? Say what you will about Forio. We realize some of you are fans and some of you aren't. He hit the nail on the head with this one.

As Florio also states, the field conditions clearly aided the strengths of one unit, the Kansas City Chiefs offense, and it served as a stumbling block (pun intended) for the Philadelphia Eagles pass rush. That can't be denied. Just ask C.J. Gardner-Johnson. As you know, he's never shy about airing his grievances on social media.

Now, if he doesn't even play for the Eagles anymore, what do you think the guys who are still on the roster are thinking?

Nothing can be done about the result. No one's crying over spilled milk... or slippery turf in this instance. The Chiefs won. They earned their victory, and nothing should be taken away from them.

Still, it's clear to see this is still a sore subject that people still bring up from time to time. That's true whether you have moved on from one of the most disappointing losses in Eagles franchise history or not,

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