By David Weinberg
The statistics and accomplishments are impressive.
On paper, the Philadelphia Eagles own an advantage over the Kansas City Chiefs in virtually every category entering Super Bowl LIX.
Running back Saquon Barkley became the ninth running back in NFL history to rush for over 2,000 yards in the regular season and has continued his string of superb performances in the playoffs.
Trick or treaters were still eating their Halloween candy the last time quarterback Jalen Hurts threw an interception.
Both Barkley and Hurts play behind a wall of blockers that is equally adept at opening canyon-sized holes on running plays and forming a nearly impenetrable cocoon when it’s time to pass.
The offense set a record for most points in an NFC Championship game with 55 against Washington two weeks ago.
The defense has likewise been impressive.
Linebacker Zach Baun, defensive tackle Jalen Carter and rookie cornerbacks Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean have been among the best in the league at their respective positions.
Edge rusher Nolan Smith leads the NFL with four sacks in the postseason.
So why are the Chiefs regarded as slight favorites on Sunday?
Because of intangibles that don’t show up on stat sheets.
The Chiefs own a huge advantage in one of the most important categories: big-game experience.
Coach Andy Reid, quarterback Patrick Mahomes and Taylor Swift’s boyfriend are in the midst of their own version of an “Eras Tour.”
Sunday’s game marks the Chiefs’ fifth Super Bowl appearance in the last six seasons. They are uniquely suited to handle the distractions, hoopla and pressure.
Mahomes doesn’t always post glittery stats, but there is no one better at rising to the occasion under pressure. When the Chiefs are in need of a big play to extend a drive or win a game, he almost always delivers.
Travis Kelce is in the conversation as the best tight end in NFL history.
Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo is vying for his fifth Super Bowl ring after winning three with the Chiefs and one with the New York Giants.
They also have a motive.
A victory on Sunday over the Eagles at the Caesars Superdome would give them the first-ever Super Bowl three-peat and establish the Chiefs as one of the league’s alltime great franchises.
Can the Eagles win on Sunday? Certainly. They nearly knocked off the Chiefs two seasons ago, falling 38-35 in Super Bowl LVII in Arizona after leading 27-21 entering the fourth quarter, and could very well earn their second Super Bowl championship in eight seasons.
Will they win? I don’t think so.
Although I wouldn’t be at all surprised if the light poles are greased in Philadelphia, my instincts are telling me the only local victory parade in our area will be in Vineland for Chiefs running back and native son Isiah Pacheco.
Of course, that gut feeling could be left over from last week’s Wing Fest at the Golden Nugget in Atlantic City.
My prediction: Chiefs 27, Eagles 25.
Dillon, Majewski, White part of new A.C. Boxing Hall of Fame Class
Former Atlantic City casino executive and boxing promoter Bernie Dillon, former Somers Point middleweight Patrick Majewski and the late trainer Cash White of Atlantic City are among the Atlantic City Boxing Hall of Fame’s newest inductees.
Dillon and Majewski were among 20 boxers, managers, trainers and executives selected as the Hall of Fame’s Class of 2025. They will be formally inducted during a ceremony at Hard Rock Atlantic City on September 29.
Dillon, a Mainland Regional High School graduate and Port Republic resident, was selected in the “Observers and Special Contributors” category, along with trainer Tommy Brooks, referee Joe Cortez, journalist Jeff Jowett, matchmaker/manager Jolene Mizzone, commentator/fighter Sean O’Grady, and matchmaker Nick Tiberi Sr.
Dillon’s boxing roots in Atlantic City date back to the 1980s. As an executive with the Trump Organization, he started the boxing program at the former Trump Taj Mahal, then later helped bring fights to the former Revel Casino and Hard Rock.
Majewski was selected in the “Fighters” category with Charles Brewer, Steve Collins, Julian Jackson, Junior Jones, Charles Murray and Curtis Parker.
Now living in Chicago, Majewski fashioned a 21-3 record with 13 knockouts during a nine-year pro career between 2006-14 under the guidance of fellow Hall of Famers Bill Johnson and Arnold Robbins.
White, a former fighter and trainer who passed away in 2022, was chosen in the “Posthumous” category with former boxers Bert Cooper, Rocky Lockridge and Teddy Mann.
White fought out of Laoma Byrd’s gym in Pleasantville as a middleweight in the 1960’s, then later became a top trainer in the area, working with fighters such as fellow Hall of Famers John Brown and Darroll Wilson.
The 2025 class also includes “Pioneers” Young Gene Buffalo and manager Bob Botto.
Buffalo’s career record of 113-34-10 from 1934-50 included a 36-6-2 record in Waltz Dream Arena and other Atlantic City locales.
David is a nationally recognized sports columnist who has covered Philadelphia and local sports for over 40 years. After 35 years with The Press, he has served as a columnist for 973ESPN.com and created his own Facebook page, Dave Weinberg Extra Points.
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