The Super Bowl. It’s an American staple. An event that comes around every February. A show even non-sports fans will sit down and watch. This year, America is treated to a rematch from two years ago with the NFC champion Philadelphia Eagles facing off against the reigning back-to-back Super Bowl champions, the AFC’s Kansas City Chiefs.
The Eagles, led by fifth-year quarterback Jalen Hurts and seventh-year running back Saquon Barkley, are back in the Super Bowl for the second time in three years. The last time the Eagles were in the big game, they matched up with the Chiefs. The Chiefs got the best of Philly that night, winning Super Bowl LVII, 38-35. The Eagles have had a historic season, with Barkley rushing for 2,005 yards, becoming one of just nine running backs in league history to accomplish this feat. As a team, Philadelphia won 14 games this season, tying their franchise best. The Eagles have won one Super Bowl previously, defeating the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LII.
Philadelphia entered the playoffs as the number two seed in the NFC Playoffs, behind only the Detroit Lions. This meant that the Eagles had secured home-field advantage throughout the first two rounds. The Eagles squared off with the Green Bay Packers in the NFC Wild Card game at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, where the Eagles would cruise to a 22-10 win to advance to the NFC Divisional round. Next up was the Los Angeles Rams where the Eagles punched their ticket to the NFC Championship game after a fourth down stop deep in their own territory. Some Eagles fans thought this game was a little too close with Philadelphia squeaking out a 28-22 victory. Those fans could breathe a little easier during the NFC Championship as the Eagles thumped the Washington Commanders 55-23, to advance to the Super Bowl.
The Chiefs, led by eighth-year quarterback and two-time MVP Patrick Mahomes, are back in the Super Bowl for the fifth time in the past six years, and the third year in a row. Kansas City previously defeated the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl LVIII, the Eagles in the aforementioned Super Bowl LVII, the 49ers in Super Bowl LIV, and the Minnesota Vikings in Super Bowl IV. The Chiefs are looking to be the fifth team to join the list of franchises with five or more Super Bowl victories. Kansas City racked up 15 wins this season, their most in franchise history.
Kansas City entered the playoffs as the number one seed in the AFC to secure a first-round bye, which secured home-field advantage throughout the AFC Playoffs. The Chiefs matched up with the Houston Texans in the AFC Divisional round, where the defense played a huge role in leading Kansas City to a 23-14 win to advance to the AFC championship where they would take on Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills. Allen, who was recently named the league MVP, threw two touchdown passes, but it wouldn’t be enough, as the Chiefs scored over 30 points for the first time this season to advance to their third straight Super Bowl.
In a highly anticipated rematch, both teams’ opening drives ended in a punt. On Philadelphia’s second possession, Penn State alumni Jahan Dotson set the Eagles up on the one-yard line, reeling in a 28-yard bomb from Hurts. Philly then set up the infamous “tush push” to open up the scoring. The Chiefs wouldn’t gain another first down in the entire first half, while the Eagles would score 17 more points. Jake Elliott knocked a 48-yard field goal through to give Philadelphia a 10-point lead midway through the second quarter. A minute and a half later, Mahomes was intercepted by rookie cornerback Cooper DeJean who took it back 38 yards to the endzone on what was possibly the most memorable play of the night. DeJean’s interception was his first NFL interception and first NFL touchdown, coming on his 22nd birthday. After another interception thrown by Mahomes, AJ Brown hauled in a short pass and took it 12 yards to extend Philadelphia’s lead to 24-0 going into halftime.
The halftime show was performed by Kendrick Lamar, with special guest SZA. The headline of the halftime show was Lamar’s performance of “Not Like Us”. Lamar brought SZA out to perform a couple of songs on which the duo had collaborated.
The Chiefs received the ball to open up the second half, which saw them pick up their second first down of the evening, only to punt three plays later. An opportunistic Eagles team would tack on another field goal courtesy of Elliott, extending their lead to 27 points. At this point, Kansas City was starting to get desperate for anything to go their way. They saw initial success, gaining a first down on the first play of their second drive of the half, before turning the ball over on downs. Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni was Mic’d up for the game and could be heard telling offensive coordinator Kellen Moore “If we score, it’s over. Just call it.” In the next play, Hurts took a deep shot for former Heisman trophy winner Devonta Smith, who came down with a 46-yard touchdown reception. The Chiefs went on to score their first touchdown of the game, but it was too little too late. Even with another two scores, Kansas City’s attempt at a three-peat was thwarted by Philadelphia in a 40-22 beatdown.
The Eagles brought the Lombardi Trophy back to Philadelphia for just the second time ever.
