An all-star cast of players in the trenches must decide the Super Bowl champion.
Sure, Patrick Mahomes and Jalen Hurts will make their share of plays. But Sunday’s game will depend on which team controls the line of scrimmage.
The Philadelphia Eagles (16-3) got to this point primarily because of a dominant offensive line that allowed Hurts to thrive. He developed into an AP NFL MVP and Offensive Player of the Year finalist, fielding All-Pro center Jason Kelce and All-Pro right tackle Lane Johnson.
Kelce, Johnson, left tackle Jordan Malata, Pro Bowl left guard Landon Dickerson and right guard Isaac Seumalo have excelled in the playoffs, helping the Eagles rush for 416 yards in two lopsided victories. The Eagles outscored the Giants and 49ers by a combined margin of 69–14.
A defensive line with four players with at least 10 sacks got roughed up by opposing quarterbacks throughout the season. Hesson Reddick was a game-destroyer against San Francisco, knocking Brock Purdy out of the game.
The Kansas City Chiefs (16-3) know what it’s like to face a terrible pass rush in the Super Bowl. Behind a stout offensive line, Mahomes looked ordinary in a 31-9 loss to the Buccaneers in the big game two years ago.
They’re healthy this time around and have a pair of second-team All-Pros: left guard Joe Thuney and center Creed Humphrey.
On the other hand, All-Pro defensive tackle Chris Jones was a nightmare for opponents this season. Jones had 15 1/2 sacks. If Philly’s O-line can’t slow him down, it could be a tough day for Hurts.
When the leader has the ball:
Mahomes, a two-time AP NFL MVP, is a wizard, even with an ankle injury that should feel better now than it did two weeks ago against Cincinnati. He would often watch for All-Pro tight end Travis Kelce, who had 110 catches in the regular season and 21 in two playoff games.
Wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling had a big game against the Bengals, catching six passes for 116 yards and a TD. JuJu Smith-Schuster and Kadarius Toney are ready to go after getting injured in that game.
The Chiefs had the league’s 20th-ranked rushing offense, as Mahomes led the NFL in passing yards. Rookie seventh-round pick Isiah Pacheco had 830 rushing yards in the regular season and 95 against Jacksonville but only 26 in the AFC title game. Running back Jerrick McKinnon is more of a pass-catching threat. He had 56 receptions.
Protecting Mahomes will be critical to Kansas City’s success. The Eagles are five sacks away from breaking the NFL record for a single season. Reddick, Brandon Graham, Josh Sweat and Javon Hargrave each had at least 10 sacks.
Cornerbacks James Bradberry and Darius Slay are among the top pairings in the league, so they will make it difficult for Mahomes to connect with his receivers often. Travis Kelce versus Philly’s linebackers and safeties is a mismatch that the Chiefs will look to take advantage of.
When the Eagles have the ball:
Eagles can beat teams on the ground or in the air. Hurts could run for 100 yards or throw for 300. This offense has versatility led by Hurts. Miles Sanders had 1,268 rushing yards in the regular season. Kenny Gainwell lead the team in rushing with 160 yards in the playoffs. Boston Scott is another option in a stacked backfield.
Hurts only had 275 yards passing in the playoffs, but the Eagles didn’t have to throw. They have found success in making runs, building up big leads and have been left on the ground to chew up the clock.
If they broadcast it, wide receiver A.J. Brown and Devonta Smith are among the top tandems in the NFL and tight end Dallas Goedert is underrated. The Chiefs have allowed a league-high 33 passing TDs this season, so this could be a big day for Hurts and his receivers.
Everything starts for the Eagles on the O-line. He has protected Hearts, paved the way for running backs and dictated his will to the defense all season long.
Chief defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo is a two-time Super Bowl champion who has a history of shutting down top offenses in Super Bowls. Just ask Tom Brady. Spagnuolo is known for bringing the heat to knock QBs out of rhythm. Hurts’ production takes a big drop when blitzed, expect Spagnuolo to dial it in.
If Hurts has time, Kansas City’s four rookie defensive backs will be in for a long day.
Special Teams:
Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker excelled in two Super Bowls, making four extra points and four field goals. Punter Tommy Townsend had an All-Pro season with 45.6 yards net.
The Chiefs’ returning teams were both in the top seven.
Eagles kicker Jake Elliott made all three of his field goals and two of three extra points in his only Super Bowl five years earlier.
Punter Aryan Sipos could return for the first time since an ankle injury sidelined him in December. Veteran Brett Kern is filling in and will make his first Super Bowl appearance of a 15-year career.
The Eagles have had some issues with their coverage units at times this season.
To teach:
Head coach Andy Reid is facing his former team. He won more games than any coach in Eagles history over a 14-year span. Reid is behind Bill Belichick (31) with 21 playoff wins. He is 1-2 in Super Bowls, including a loss with the Eagles.
Siriani is 25–12 in two seasons as head coach, including 2–1 in the playoffs. Like Reed, he is an excellent game planner. Syriani is also aggressive and does not lack confidence.
Abstract:
Reid vs. his former team. Siriani vs. a coach who fired him. The Super Bowl doesn’t need any extra motivation. Both teams have loud, loyal fan bases that flood Phoenix for games.