Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni emphasises importance of 'hostile' Philadelphia crowd against 49ers
- Harrison Discombe
- 27 January 2023
Philadelphia Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni has highlighted the impact an 'energetic' Philadelphia crowd could have as his team prepares to host the San Francisco 49ers for a place in the Super Bowl.
Philadelphia has won eight of ten games at home this year with a points differential of +10.4.
"(The crowd) is so important to us," Sirianni told reporters on Friday.
"They inspire us and with how much communication is needed in this great game, they always make it difficult for the opposing team."
Sunday will mark the first postseason meeting between the two sides held in Philadelphia.
Both have recent NFC Championship experience with the 49ers preparing to play their third title game in four years, while the Eagles return for the first time since defeating the Minnesota Vikings in 2018 on their way to winning Super Bowl LII.
"They're hostile and from being here as an opposing coach I know how intimidating it can be," Sirianni added. "They'll make life difficult for the 49ers because of who they are as fans."
After losing his first postseason appearance to the Buccaneers in Tampa last year, former Indianapolis Colts offensive co-ordinator Sirianni believes his team is feeling the benefits of the homefield advantage earned by finishing with the best record in the NFC.
"It's going to be loud and energetic and we'll be able to feed off that.
"Even though as players and coaches we have to treat each game the same, that's not how it is for the fans. They're going to be more amped up because of the stakes and we welcome that. It's going to be a great atmosphere."
Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts is taking each moment as it comes ahead of his first NFC Championship appearance.
"Every moment is teachable," Hurts said, also speaking to reporters Friday.
"This is a new moment and I'm not looking at the past or even too much into the future. We're just looking to go out there and do the things that have got us into this position."
This year, in his second full campaign as starter, Hurts became the third quarterback in NFL history to amass 3,500+ passing yards, 20+ touchdown passes and 10+ rushing touchdowns in a single regular season.
