Eagles have fun on the big stage, not intimidated by Patriotism

BLOOMINGTON, Minn. (AP) Wrestling masks have replaced dog masks.

The lower-team Philadelphia Eagles are having fun with the media frenzy leading up to the Super Bowl against the New England Patriots. They are always comfortable, free and will not be intimidated by the incredible success of their opponents.

Three Pro Bowl Defensive Handles Fletcher Cox and All-Pro rights settlement Lane Johnson on Wednesday wore masks that resemble those worn by WWE star Rey Mysterio and other spirits in the ring.

“This is a gift from Mexico so I can have superpowers all week,” Cox said of the green mask with the Eagles logo.

“I am very happy right now. We know why we are here. We can’t do our best. You have fun when it’s time to have fun and get serious when it’s time to get serious.”

Johnson and the end of the defense Chris Long pulled out their German shepherd masks and wore them on the field and in their interviews after the Eagles beat Atlanta in the squad. The Eagles (15-3) were the first No. 1 seed to enter their first playoff as a bottom team.

The city, where there is always a bad personality, must obey the masks. Johnson and Long later turned it into a charitable venture. They made poor quality t-shirts that were sold with all proceeds going to the Philadelphia school district nonprofit.

The Eagles were defeated again in the NFC championship match and beat the Vikings with a score of 38-7. They are in the same position as the Patriots, who are the 4-point favorite on Sunday.

But these Eagles are not afraid of Bill Belichick, brave cat or the dynasty of New England. Johnson calls Brady a “beautiful boy” and makes it clear that he doesn’t mind the hype.

“I definitely respect him and everything he’s done in this tournament,” Johnson told The Associated Press. “I am not going into the Super Bowl to worship this man and make him more than what he is. Not respect.

“As for bulletin board material, they can put it on their nightstand for all I care about, in their bathroom, I don’t care. I don’t think you need motivation to play in the Super Bowl. They know that. ”

Brady and Belichick have led the Patriots to five Super Bowl titles, including two of the past three seasons. They beat the Eagles 24-21 in the big game 13 years ago.

The Philadelphia players respected the duo’s record, but they did not enter the game having been defeated. Several players were part of a nasty 35-28 win at New England in 2015. The Eagles were the losers under Chip Kelly that season, but still went on and took down the Patriots 10-1.

That won’t matter when the teams meet for the Vince Lombardi Cup. However, it is a confidence booster for some guys.

“I think when you’ve been playing for a long time, you’ve had games where you’ve played unbelievable players and unbelievable coaches,” All-Pro center Jason Kelce speak.

“For me, this makes no difference. These guys have been more consistent throughout the years, but this is the NFL. You play good players every week. There are great coaches that you go up against every week. I don’t think you see this differently from the fact that this is just another game. You see what they do really well and how you can protect it. ”

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Follow Rob Maaddi on Twitter: https://twitter.com/AP-RobMaaddi