🦅 You call it, Philly ... | Sports Daily Newsletter

So I need you to help settle a debate between my friends and me.

Amid the hype of the Eagles playing for their second trip to the Super Bowl in three years this Sunday at Lincoln Financial Field (3 p.m., Fox 29), we went back and forth on whether we are bearing witness to the most prosperous era of Eagles football, ever. It all started with a bit of jealousy that we all have kids under 10 who will have potentially witnessed more Super Bowl appearances in their short existence than we have in our lives to date — but that’s neither here nor there.

While I think it’s indisputable that the Nick Sirianni era has been the most fun (former Eagle Darren Sproles also would agree), there are those in my crew who would like to recall that the Andy Reid era was no slouch. That’s my question for you today; email us your thoughts.

So I’m leaving it up to you. Speaking of the Birds, it would appear that good vibrations are up for no debate. Jordan Davis takes Inquirer writer Jeff McLane through his dance moves and how he got the name DJ Oreo, players are hanging with puppies at the SPCA, and you can purchase a pint of water from Snow Game 2.0 from last Sunday’s win over the Rams. No, seriously.

Speaking of snow, what you see on the ground isn’t melting today. It’ll be sunny, but temperatures aren’t expected to get out of the 20s. 🥶

— Kerith Gabriel, @phillysport, sports.daily@inquirer.com.

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❓ Is this the most prosperous era of Eagles football? Email us back for a chance to be featured in the newsletter.

Statistically, A.J. Brown’s confident nature hasn’t correlated to his production or that of the Eagles passing game. Brown had one catch for 10 yards in the wild-card round against the Green Bay Packers, receiving just three targets as the offense leaned heavily on running back Saquon Barkley. Despite having seven targets against the Rams, Brown was charged with two drops by Pro Football Focus in another lackluster performance.

However, he’s singing the same tune quarterback Jalen Hurts chimed a few weeks back about winning being the only stat that matters. Instead of worrying about his personal numbers, he’s looking at the little things he’s done to help place the Birds a game away from the Super Bowl.

“I can’t worry about what happened in the past or even these past two games,” Brown said. “I only can look at the film and learn from it. It’s just kind of how the games have been going. Like I said after the game, I’m OK; we won, [and] I had some incredible blocks to spring touchdowns. Regardless of if the numbers are not there, I know people care about that, but right now none of that matters. It’s all about getting a win at the end of the day, so it doesn’t matter.”

However, in this NFC championship matchup with the Commanders, Brown and the Birds must put their best foot forward offensively. Inquirer writer EJ Smith has more on their approach.

In his latest podcast, Jeff McLane shines a spotlight on rookie All-Pro Jalen Carter, being a catalyst of the Eagles’ top-ranked defense, following his clutch performance against the Rams and much more. Listen here.

The 76ers are searching for answers. After a 144-109 thrashing at the hands of the Nuggets, screaming could be heard from the visitors' locker room in Denver. Sixers players did not shy away when asked about the intense environment. “Coach was trying to make a point,” reserve big man Guerschon Yabusele said of the postgame scene, “to make us react, make us understand what’s going on. Because at the end of the day, we’re still in the season. It’s not over yet.” While the Sixers sit at 15-27, the season isn’t quite over. But if this team’s free fall continues, that could change soon.

Billy Wagner’s Hall of Fame bronze cap will almost certainly feature Houston’s five-pointed star, it’s a decent bet the curly “P” will also be on display this summer in Cooperstown. Dick Allen got elected to the Hall of Fame last month by a 16-person committee, and if the late slugger’s family and the Hall agree that he should go in as a Phillie, he would be the first inductee with that designation since Jim Bunning in 1996. A verdict is expected next month. Stay tuned. If Allen is next to wear a Phillies cap into the Hall of Fame, who will follow him? This week’s voting results offered a few clues.

Jan. 23, 2005: Inside a packed Lincoln Financial Field, the Eagles defeated Mike Vick and the Falcons, 27-10, in the NFC championship game to book their first trip to the Super Bowl since the 1980 season.

Here’s a place to access your favorite Philadelphia teams’ statistics, schedules, and standings in real time.

LEOEB JAREAF

In a win earlier this week against the Detroit Red Wings, this Flyers player snapped a seven-game scoreless streak. Think you know? Take a guess and then click here to see if you’re correct.

We asked you: What are some of your Sunday football routines?

The only thing I always do is wear one of my Eagles shirts, I have many. My go-to one is my 2018 Eagles Super Bowl shirt. I always wear it during the playoffs. I hope to replace it with a newer version this year. — Kathy T.

The first thing me and my wife do is get “Eagled Up.” We put on our Kelly green Saquon Barkley jerseys and our Randall Cunningham beanies. Next, I prepare two homemade Italian hoagies (with gabagool, of course) for a pre-game snack. Then we stick a few pins in our Tony Romo voodoo doll (no matter who the Birds are playing), and jump on the subway at Fern Rock to get psyched up with fellow fans on the ride to the Linc by singing a few verses of “Fly Eagles Fly!” — Stephen T.

No real rituals. Just get ready and settle down there by the television and nervously wait. I always remind myself that nothing I do, no ritual etc., can do anything to affect my team’s play. But even knowing that, I always watch with my crossed legs to be with my team and against the opposition. — Everett S.

We compiled today’s newsletter using reporting from Ariel Simpson, Gabriela Carroll, EJ Smith, Gina Mizell, Conor Smith, Jonathan Tannenwald, Scott Lauber, and Jeff McLane.

By submitting your written, visual, and/or audio contributions, you agree to The Inquirer’s Terms of Use, including the grant of rights in Section 10.

That’s all for today, Philly. Jim will return to your inbox tomorrow to get you ready for the weekend. — Kerith