They say it isn't how you start, it's how you finish. That statement probably has nothing to do with the next several, but I've always wanted to begin a story by saying that. You know what? Come to think about it, we can make it work. Sydney Brown's recent Philadelphia Eagles journey is one of perseverance, and we can all certainly learn something from the manner in which he has handled it.
Two regular-season finales couldn't be any more different. Just ask our guy Sydney. He'll be the first to tell you.
The opponent was the same. Philly walked into Week 18 for a regular-season finale in January, 2024 and this past Sunday. The former game was on the road. The Birds lost that one. This past Sunday, they won at Lincoln Financial Field.
Philly, last season, needed something to give them hope during a collapse. They wouldn't find anything to hang their helmets on. Thankfully, this time around, they enter the postseason with some momentum.
Then, there's the Sydney Brown angle.
Sydney ends his first two Eagles regular seasons on opposite ends of the NFL spectrum.
Picture this. It's Week 18 at MetLife Stadium. The Eagles have had their measure taken by the G-Men to the tune of a 27-10 final score. There's no confidence ahead of the postseason. Rookie Sydney Brown, one week after recording the first interception of his career (a 99-yard pick-six) has just torn his ACL. Talk about going from bad to worse!
What might one be thinking? We've never asked Sydney this because we already know the answer. He may have been frustrated or disappointed. That would have been understandable if he was, but he wasn't going to let his NFL dreams die on a cold day and an unforgiving turf.
Then, came the comeback. We're talking about a turnaround Rocky Balboa would have been proud of.
Sydney began the most recent regular season on the reserve/physically unable to perform (PUP) list. He was activated on October 19th, but Philly had a new safety in town, the recently reacquired C.J. Gardner-Johnson.
New defensive coordinator... The need to prove one's self to new coaches... The prospect of having to learn to trust the knee again... Don't allow yourself to believe Sydney hasn't 'battled back'.
So, it was nice to see him pick off the pass to end one last-ditch attempt at a New York Giants comeback. No one cheered more loudly than we did.
Sunday was two days short of the anniversary of Sydney Brown's season-ending ACL tear. Coincidentally that game was also vs. the Giants.. This past Sunday, he hauled in the game-ending interception...
— Inside The Iggles (@InsideIggles) January 6, 2025
No one is happier for him than we are! pic.twitter.com/sGbPZ4XaQg
Good for you Syd!. It's stories like these that are thrown out by movie directors and studios for lacking realism. It's also stories like these that put smiles on our faces and inspire us.
Sydney's second regular season ended differently than his first. Thank goodness for that. The Birds have some momentum entering the coming postseason. That alone should get the adrenaline flowing. Unlike last year, it feels like our Eagles have the potential to do some serious damage, and guess what?
Second-year safety Sydney Brown will be on the field with them to enjoy the journey.