The Australians adopted the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl 57 (continue live here) with Jordan Melata and former NFL quarterback Arjen Sipos, hoping to become the first Australians to play in a Super Bowl.
And Mailata’s offensive line got off to a perfect start, prompting the Eagles to land a drive with some amazing protection by QB Jalen Hurts.
It took just 11 plays for the slight favorites to storm the field, driving 75 yards to take the lead they so often desire—because it allows them to control the clock, and thus the flow of the contest, with their running game.
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Mailata’s sheer power was shown on the drive as the No. 68 dominated his direct opponent to open up a huge lane for the rush.
Hurts was able to scramble for one of their first six downs while the Eagles ended up scoring first after a Kenneth Ginnwell touchdown was quickly reversed on review.
This saw coach Nick Siriani call in to play the team’s trademark rugby, QB Sneak, with Mailata’s offensive line overwhelming the Chiefs defense – aided by two forwards behind Hurts as he darted into the endzone.
“The tendency of this Philadelphia team and with the number of sneaks we’ve seen running, Jason Kelsey the center of it all, rugby style and under — you have to think from the half-yard line, it has to be at the top of the call sheet,” Fox commentator Greg Olsen explained before the play.
It was the Eagles’ 31st successful steal of the season in 35 attempts.
The Eagles went on to sneak again midway through the second quarter up 14-7, but Mailata teammate Isaac Somalo fell short on a false start on third and fourth.
On the ensuing play, the tying attempt on QB saw Jalen Hurts fumble, and the Chiefs’ Nick Bolton returned it for a touchdown.
However, the running game continued to affect the ensuing drive, as Hurts converted a fourth and 5 before running on his second rushing touchdown of the half.
Meanwhile, former St Kilda striker Cepos was called up for his first kick of the game in the Eagles second drive.
He drove 57 yards and returned it for 12 by Kadarius Toney.
