By: Michael Spiers

TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services

I spend a lot of my time talking with folks that love all levels of football just as much as I do.

For the casual southern sports fan, there doesn’t seem to be a whole lot of general excitement for this year’s version of Super Sunday.

When the Kansas City Chiefs face off against the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LIX this Sunday, February 9th in New Orleans, they’ll be chasing NFL history — a chance to pull off a three-peat and claim their third straight Lombardi Trophy.

Seven teams have gone back-to-back, but no one’s ever pulled off the elusive triple crown. Despite the historic implications, some fans are admittedly feeling a little “Chiefs fatigue.” After all, when the same team keeps winning, it can be tough to stay excited—just ask those who lived through the Patriots or Warriors dynasties.

Even Patrick Mahomes’ magic and the past season’s wild crossover with Taylor Swift’s fanbase haven’t kept everyone hooked.

But here’s a reason for southern sports fans, especially those of us here in Georgia, to get hyped for this Super Bowl: The Eagles’ defense is basically Bulldogs 2.0.

Over the past two drafts, Philadelphia loaded up on Georgia talent to build a defensive powerhouse.

It started in 2022 when the Eagles snagged defensive tackle Jordan Davis and linebacker Nakobe Dean, two key pieces from Georgia’s dominant national title-winning squad.

Then in 2023, they went back to Athens for defensive tackle Jalen Carter, linebacker Nolan Smith, and cornerback Kelee Ringo.

Just last month, they added safety Lewis Cine from the Bills’ practice squad. That’s six Bulldogs on one NFL roster. Talk about a Dawg Pound.

And it’s not just for show — these guys are making an impact.

Carter has been a beast on the line with 4.5 sacks, 12 tackles for loss, and a Pro Bowl nod.

Smith broke out in his second year with 6.5 sacks.

Even Ringo, who hasn’t seen as much action on defense, made a name for himself on special teams and earned a Pro Bowl alternate spot.

While Dean is sidelined with an injury, the rest of the Georgia crew is holding down the fort for a defense that allowed the fewest yards per game and the second-fewest points this season.

This isn’t just about talent; it’s about chemistry. These guys have been through the battles together, winning back-to-back college championships under head coach Kirby Smart and defensive coordinator Glenn Schumann. That built-in trust is paying off in the NFL.

Schumann even joked that until the Eagles field an entire defense of Bulldogs, other players will have to contribute too — but you get the sense he wouldn’t mind seeing it.

Now the question is whether this Georgia-fueled defense can shut down Mahomes, Andy Reid, and Travis Kelce on the biggest stage. If they do, it might be time for Philly to send some honorary Super Bowl rings back to Athens.

And for even more local flavor, don’t forget that one of the starting cornerbacks for the Philadelphia Eagles is former Brunswick High School standout, Darius Slay.

So, if you’re not feeling the Chiefs storyline this year, the Eagles defense is a pretty compelling reason to tune in.

It’s got Georgia fingerprints all over it and could end up being a championship-winning unit at the next level.

And hey, if that happens, the Bulldogs’ legacy will officially stretch from college football glory to NFL dominance.

Not too shabby for a bunch of Dawgs.