Chiefs-Eagles: 5 issues to look at in Tremendous Bowl LIX

The last word recreation of the 2024 NFL season is right here. The Kansas Metropolis Chiefs (17-2) will sq. off with the Philadelphia Eagles (17-3) in Tremendous Bowl LIX at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana; kickoff is ready for Sunday at 5:30 PM Arrowhead time.

The town of New Orleans is internet hosting the title recreation for the eleventh time, tying Miami, Florida, for probably the most by any single metropolis. The primary was Tremendous Bowl IV at Tulane Stadium, a recreation by which the Chiefs defeated the Minnesota Vikings 23-7 to win the franchise’s first Tremendous Bowl.

55 years later, the Chiefs are returning to New Orleans with an opportunity to make NFL historical past: no group has ever gained three consecutive Tremendous Bowls. To take action, the Chiefs must defeat the Eagles on the most important stage for the second time in three seasons. Two years in the past, the Chiefs kicked a area purpose as time expired to win Tremendous Bowl LVII.

The Chiefs’ motivation to be unprecedented, three-time defending champions will go face to face with the starvation and revenge from Philadelphia’s facet. Listed here are 5 issues to look at in an epic matchup:

1. Patrick Mahomes taking part in via site visitors

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Chiefs’ quarterback Patrick Mahomes saved his most impactful efficiency of the season for the AFC Championship win over the Payments. Particularly, he was disciplined within the pocket and environment friendly on fast passes, finishing 12 of 15 makes an attempt for 140 yards and a landing. He additionally made probably the most of every dashing alternative.

He or the ball will probably have to get out fast towards Philadelphia, regardless that the Eagles blitz on the fifth-lowest price within the NFL. Defensive coordinator Vic Fangio’s scheme will focus on trusting a gifted four-man rush unit headed by defensive deal with Jalen Carter.

Carter almost solely strains as much as the offense’s proper of the ball. That primarily units him up towards proper guard Trey Smith, however left guard Mike Caliendo has inside disruptors like Milton Williams, Jordan Davis, or Moro Ojomo to work towards. The defensive deal with room has 4 sacks and 25 quarterback pressures mixed this playoffs.

Middle Creed Humphrey might want to hold his head on a swivel to uphold the entrance of the pocket.

Second-year edge rusher Nolan Smith has 4 sacks this postseason himself. He’ll primarily align over Chiefs’ proper deal with Jawaan Taylor.

2. The gravity of Saquon Barkley

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A key issue for the Chiefs’ protection can be how dedicated the scheme and gamers are to sealing run lanes towards Eagles’ working again Saquon Barkley.

This postseason, Barkley has landing runs of 62, 78, and 60 yards. These game-breaking performs increase a three-game stretch with solely a 34.8% dashing success price; within the common season, that may’ve ranked thirty fourth amongst certified working backs.

A plan to restrict Barkley’s explosive performs would contain security Justin Reid constantly taking part in nearer to the road of scrimmage. Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo may additionally use three-linebacker units that includes linebacker Leo Chenal.

The inside defensive position and linebackers could have a number of duty to interrupt via the wall of blocking. It will likely be more durable to try this on the sting, so search for these defenders to be stout on the bottom and decide their spots to attempt to blow up a run.

3. The Chiefs’ plan for protection

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If the main focus is on proscribing Barkley, it places strain on the Chiefs’ again finish to restrict huge completions to broad receivers A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith, plus tight finish Dallas Goedert.

Eagles’ quarterback Jalen Hurts desires to focus on Brown downfield and to the perimeter. This season, Brown has aligned on the surface for 82% of his snaps with a mean depth of goal of 13.2 yards. Nonetheless, the Chiefs’ exterior cornerbacks can’t play delicate in alignment, as a result of Brown might be deadly on slants.

Using cornerback Trent McDuffie can be one to look at. Brown’s bodily talent set appears to offer McDuffie probably the most bother, so a greater particular person matchup could be Smith; he’s Philadelphia’s main slot receiver. The Chiefs might lean in direction of trusting cornerbacks Jaylen Watson and Joshua Williams on Brown, shading a security over when potential.

Goedert has been the Eagles’ chief in receptions (15) and receiving yards (188) this postseason. He’s Hurts’ security blanket and might benefit from the house created by different playmakers. Certain tackling and tight protection by Chiefs’ linebackers and safeties can be key to limiting Goedert’s affect.

4. Getting working backs to the second degree

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The Eagles’ entrance is a number of and disruptive, taking on a number of house as opposing offenses attempt to work the run recreation.

The Chiefs want to seek out methods to get working again Kareem Hunt to the second degree, whether or not by artistic run schemes or move performs that arrange Hunt to interrupt tackles. Hunt compelled seven missed tackles on run performs within the AFC Championship, in accordance with PFF.

5. Situational soccer

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The Tremendous Bowl will come all the way down to both facet’s situational execution. The Chiefs ranked second in third-down conversion price this 12 months, whereas the Eagles’ protection allowed the third-lowest price. The Eagles’ offense ranked tenth, dealing with a Chiefs’ protection that completed permitting seventh-highest price of third downs.

Each offenses ranked within the high 4 in fourth-down conversion price as effectively. The Chiefs is not going to discover Philadelphia’s short-yardage scheme to be as easy to defend because the Buffalo Payments’ final week; one of the best ways to defend the “Tush Push” is to keep away from short-yardage situations. That’s why run blitzes on early downs might be excessive danger, however excessive reward: the Eagles’ play calling turns into much less dynamic on lengthy downs.

The Chiefs will probably have to win via the air within the pink zone as a result of Philadelphia’s huge entrance for goal-line conditions. Search for the velocity of broad receivers Hollywood Brown, Xavier Worthy, and Justin Watson try and open up home windows for tight finish Travis Kelce and others.