The time has come. Super Bowl 59 is here. We’ve got another rematch and of course, the Kansas City Chiefs are present. They got the last laugh two years ago against the Eagles after overcoming a double-digit, second-half deficit to win the first of what could become a three-peat for Patrick Mahomes and company.
There are lots of storylines in this game. The chief amongst them (no pun intended) is Kansas City’s quest for a three-peat. How about Andy Reid trying to win another game against his former team? Jalen Hurts has had quite the journey from college to now, a Lombardi Trophy would cement him in Philly history. And don’t forget about Saquon Barkley and the incredible season that he had. He won’t win the MVP, but the other trophy handed out after the game is way more important.
Keys to the Game
For the Eagles, it is getting Barkley going early and often. The Chiefs have a top 10 run defense so Barkley might not score three touchdowns as he did last week or rush for multiple 40-yard plus touchdowns. But Philly must figure out how to move the chains with him, dominate time of possession, and keep it out of Mahome’s hands.
For the Chiefs, I am focused on their receiving corps. Philly has a young secondary led by two rookie players that are battling for Defensive Rookie of the Year. This is a big stage for them and mistakes happen. Mahomes is like a magician, he just needs his assistants (receivers) to be there in the clutch. Last year, it was Mecole Hardman. Who will it be this year?
Impact Players
For Philly, I am banking on TE Dallas Goedert. He has averaged 60 yards per game since coming back from his injury in November. The Chiefs rank dead last in yards allowed to tight ends this season and they are third worst in catches per target to tight ends. KC has a great blitz, and Hurts will need to get the ball away quickly. That’s where Goedert will come in clutch.
For the Chiefs, I am pointing to a more obvious target. There is a very real possibility that the 49ers are the reigning Super Bowl champs if it wasn’t for Chris Jones who broke through on a blitz and caused an incompletion in overtime which gave KC a chance to win it on their first possession of overtime. Jones is a menace and a force, and he lives for the big moment.
Prediction
First and foremost, I believe that the Eagles will enter the second half with a lead and a very clear path to winning the Super Bowl. The Chiefs, and Mahomes, have yet to be ahead before the half in any of his three Super Bowl wins. It just doesn’t seem to matter to him. All season long; the Chiefs were the best team…at finding a way to win. Philly is the better team on paper, but we’ve learned that you don’t bet against the Kansas City Chiefs and Patrick Mahomes. I think the three-peat is accomplished on Sunday night. Chiefs 28 Eagles 25