PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — The Eagles dropping Super Bowl LVII to the Chiefs is, without question, one of the most heartbreaking losses in the history of Philadelphia sports. For some, it’s going to take a while to get over it. In the meantime, here are four things to look forward to in the immediate future:
⚾ Phillies season is right around the corner
One benefit of the Eagles making the Super Bowl is it eliminates the usual lull between football season and Phillies spring training. Late January, early February is typically considered one of the slower times of the sports year.
This year, however, the Eagles’ disappointing loss is only days ahead of the first workout for Phillies pitchers and catchers in Clearwater. Full squad workouts begin next week. The first Grapefruit League game is Feb. 25, and the Phils start their season on the road at the Texas Rangers in a month and a half.
By the way, we are still looking for a fan who just got back from Arizona and is heading to Clearwater shortly for spring training. We want to talk to you! Hit us up!
🏀 Sixers playoffs — will they break the second-round curse?
The Sixers have had a relatively drama-free season. In part, that is because this season comes after the Ben Simmons saga of 2021-22 — and much of this 76ers season was overshadowed by the Phillies’ improbable World Series run last fall and the Eagles’ Super Bowl this winter.
Heading into Wednesday night, Doc Rivers’ Sixers have a 37-19 record, which is good for third in the East behind Boston and Milwaukee, and slightly ahead of Cleveland — who they happen to be hosting Wednesday night in their final game before the All-Star break.
Frankly though, the only question that really matters with this franchise is: Will they finally advance past the second round? It would be the first time since 2001. That question will be answered in the spring.
🏈 NFL free agency and Draft
Football never goes away in Philadelphia, even if it’s the offseason.
NFL Free Agency gets underway next month. And then, in late April, it’s the NFL Draft. Eagles General Manager Howie Roseman has two first-round picks to work with — 10th overall (which is from a trade with the Saints) and 30th overall.
The Eagles have a number of starters who are set to hit free agency, and quarterback Jalen Hurts is eligible for a big contract extension. Roseman and his staff have a lot of work to do in the coming days. It would not be surprising if their 2023 roster looks different from 2022 in key spots.
⚽ Union soccer returns
The Union's 2023 season gets underway later this month. Just like the Eagles and Phillies, Philadelphia's professional soccer team was oh, so close to going all the way last season. In fact, you could make the argument they were closer than the Eagles and Phils, because they had a one-goal lead in the MLS Cup late in extra time before coughing it up to LAFC.