Editor’s Note: Throughout the NFL playoffs, Chris Myers and his research team analyze upcoming matchups, while providing news, notes, and nuggets for inside access to the information an NFL broadcaster uses to prepare for calling a game.
SUPER BOWL LIX PREVIEW
These Chiefs aren’t the Chiefs of old, but don’t discount Patrick Mahomes & Co. The final game of the NFL season is here, featuring two formidable teams vying for the coveted Lombardi Trophy in Super Bowl LIX. The Kansas City Chiefs will face off against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday at the Superdome (6:30 p.m. ET on FOX).
While the Chiefs have had their ups and downs this season, they have a chance to cement their legacy by winning their third consecutive Super Bowl, a feat not achieved since the NFL’s inception. This season, they matched the NFL record for total wins, reaching 18 victories, a record shared with the 1984 49ers and the 1985 Bears, both of whom won the Super Bowl, along with the 2007 Patriots, who did not.
Andy Reid’s Chiefs began their remarkable playoff journey in February 2020, also on FOX. The key figures then, and still today, are quarterback Patrick Mahomes, tight end Travis Kelce, and head coach Reid. Observing their practice, one could sense the unique blend of confidence and intensity Reid brings to the team. This emotional balance was evident during their Super Bowl victory against the 49ers.
Kelce, with his charismatic presence akin to a wrestling champion, serves as the heartbeat of the Chiefs’ offense. His teammates admire not just his skills but also his ability to unite the team, knowing he will do whatever it takes to secure a win, whether through receptions or blocking assignments.
Reid, now in his 12th year with the Chiefs, has achieved an impressive record of 301 total victories, placing him among the elite alongside coaching legends like Don Shula and Bill Belichick. Since the start of their playoff run in 2019, the Chiefs have posted an impressive 16-2 record in the postseason, with their only defeats coming in Super Bowl LV against the Buccaneers and an overtime loss to the Bengals in the following AFC Championship Game.
On the other side, Nick Sirianni leads the Eagles, who have undergone significant upgrades since their last Super Bowl appearance. The Eagles drafted standout defensive lineman Jalen Carter and added coordinators Kellen Moore and Vic Fangio to bolster their offense and defense, respectively. Most notably, they signed elite running back Saquon Barkley, enhancing their already formidable roster.
Sirianni’s leadership style and his collaboration with his enthusiastic coordinators have proven effective. Despite a challenging previous season, the new coaching strategies have allowed Sirianni to focus on motivating and organizing the team effectively.
The Eagles’ defense, under Fangio’s guidance, is poised to challenge the Chiefs’ offensive strategies, mirroring the defensive acumen of Steve Spagnuolo, the Chiefs’ defensive coordinator.
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As always, the Super Bowl is rich with statistics and trends that could influence the outcome.
For Chiefs supporters, consider these indicators:
* Patrick Mahomes holds an impressive 13-0 record in domed stadiums.
* Mahomes is undefeated against Vic Fangio, boasting an 8-0 record against him as either a head coach or coordinator.
* A victory would place Mahomes alongside legends Tom Brady, Joe Montana, and Terry Bradshaw as quarterbacks with four Super Bowl wins, making him the first to achieve this before turning 30.
* This Super Bowl marks Andy Reid’s 45th postseason game, setting a new all-time record, surpassing Bill Belichick’s 44 games. Nick Sirianni will be coaching in his eighth postseason game.
* The Chiefs excelled in third-down conversions, ranking second in the NFL with 48.4%, and third on fourth down with 70.59%.
For Eagles fans, these points may suggest a favorable outcome:
* Historically, teams traveling west to the Super Bowl site have emerged victorious. This year, the Eagles are that team.
* Every Super Bowl winner this century has forced at least three turnovers during the postseason, yet the Chiefs have yet to record a single takeaway this year.
* Since their Week 5 bye, the Eagles have achieved a remarkable 15-1 record, with a plus-27 turnover margin, winning by an average of 13.8 points.
* The Eagles lead the NFL in yards allowed per game (278.4), passing yards allowed (174.2), and rank second in points allowed (17.8).
Additional thoughts include:
* The winner of Super Bowl 59 will join the exclusive club of teams that have won a record 18 games in a season, alongside the 1984 49ers, 1985 Bears, and the 2007 Patriots.
* The record for rushing yards by a quarterback in the Super Bowl is held by Jalen Hurts at 70 yards, with Patrick Mahomes close behind at 64 yards from last year’s game.
While statistics abound, the outcome will ultimately hinge on the players’ performance, including blocking, tackling, turnovers, penalties, and the unpredictable nature of each play.
The Eagles have constructed a formidable roster, spearheaded by a top-tier running back supported by an excellent offensive line. Their strength in the trenches positions them well against the Chiefs, creating a potential scenario where they could dominate Kansas City, similar to the 2020 Buccaneers.
For the Eagles, scoring touchdowns early and prioritizing their running game will be essential. However, the Chiefs have consistently demonstrated their ability to keep games competitive.
As the game approaches its conclusion, if it remains a tight contest, one must consider the proven track record of Reid and Mahomes in delivering under pressure. Betting against their ability to perform in critical moments may not be wise.
