NEW ORLEANS, LA — With Super Bowl LIX between the two-time defending champion Kansas City Chiefs (15-2) and the Philadelphia Eagles (14-3) set to kick off in 48 hours, here are my thoughts about the big game this coming Sunday.
In what is the second Super Bowl rematch featuring the Chiefs, who also faced the San Francisco 49ers last year at Super Bowl LVIII in Las Vegas, this latest edition between the Chiefs and Eagles is a rematch of Super Bowl LVII, won on a last-second field goal by Harrison Butker, 38-35.
One difference between the Eagles from two years ago, as opposed to this coming Sunday is the addition of 2,000-yard running back, Saquon Barkley.
Acquired in free agency from the New York Giants, the former Penn State standout tailback, has given the Eagles an added dimension both on the ground and out of the backfield as a receiver, thanks to rushing for 2,005 yards, Barkley could play a key role in deciding the outcome.
If Philadelphia is able to establish some semblance of a ground game, and keep the Chiefs explosive offense on the sidelines, the beagles have a good chance on Sunday.
Another thing to consider is that the Eagles are built to run and play with a lead. If Philadelphia plays ball control and converts on their possessions, they will limit Kansas City’s opportunities and potentially wear down their defense late.
Yes. Kansas City has arguably the game’s best player under center in Mahomes, and weapons galore in Travis Kelce, Xavier Worthy, DeAndre Hopkins, Hollywood Brown, etc, the Chiefs need to be able to utilize running back Kareem Hunt and take advantage of a reportedly ailing Eagles defensive line that has been battling illness all week down in the Big Easy.
Starters such as defensive tackle Jalen Carter, linebacker Zack Baun (groin), defensive end Brandon Graham (elbow), receiver Britain Covey (neck), running back Kenneth Gainwell (concussion/knee), guard Landon Dickerson (knee), center Cam Jurgens (back), and tight ends Dallas Goedert (ankle) and C.J. Uzomah (abdomen) all practiced and seem ready to go.
For me, Super Bowl LIX comes down to two key points. Can Steve Spagnoulo’s defense keep Barkley at bay? If the Chiefs keep Barkley under 100 yards, then Kansas City will hoist their third straight Lombardi.
My guess is that they will dare QB Jalen Hurts to beat them from the pocket and sell out on Barkley.
If Philadelphia and their ailing defense manage to show up and contain Mahomes and limit the Chiefs’ possessions, then the Eagles will avenge their Super Bowl LVII loss and stop a second three-peat.
These are the high-level moments that makes the Mahomes-Kelce combo so special, and also so dangerous. Kelce always finds a way to get open and make the clutch catch at the right time. No team has ever had an answer for him in the middle of the field.
When Tampa Bay beat Kansas City back in Super Bowl LV, the Buccaneers pressured a very-banged up Chiefs offensive line. The key to stopping KC and eliminating those “Mahomes Magic” plays is constantly pressuring their offensive line.
Philadelphia’s top-ranked defense is more that up to that task, and appears to be playing with that same underdog chip on their shoulder they had when they upset Tom Brady back in Super Bowl LI.
It seems like history is aligned to repeat itself.
That being said, my pick is: Chiefs 28 Eagles 27