NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – DECEMBER 14: The Super Bowl 59 logo on a promotional display in the French Quarter on December 14, 2024 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Aaron M. Sprecher/Getty Images)
The Eagles are back in the Super Bowl for the second time in the past three seasons and will be facing the Chiefs once again. Here are the 5 keys to them coming away with a victory:
1. Give Saquon Barkley at least 25 touches
PHILADELPHIA, PA – SEPTEMBER 16: Saquon Barkley #26 of the Philadelphia Eagles carries the ball against the Atlanta Falcons during a football game at Lincoln Financial Field on September 16, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images)
This is so important that it could really be numbers 1-5. The more the Eagles impose their will on offense it will tire out the Chiefs DL and help the Eagles offense control the time of possession.
2. Continue to find Dallas Goedert
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – DECEMBER 22: Dallas Goedert #88 of the Philadelphia Eagles celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the first quarter against the Dallas Cowboys in the game at Lincoln Financial Field on December 22, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
Kansas City has been one of the worst teams all year against opposing TE. Goedert has had 24 targets (with 19 receptions) in the last four games since his return from the IR.
3. Keep Mahomes in the pocket
KANSAS CITY, MO – OCTOBER 12: Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs throws the ball during an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on October 12, 2023 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images)
Patrick Mahomes becomes dangerous in the playoffs because he is willing to take more chances with his legs. Keeping Mahomes in the pocket will avoid those 9-yard runs on 3rd and 8 that he gets so often.
4. Tackle Xavier Worthy aggressively
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI – MAY 22: Wide receiver Xavier Worthy #1 of the Kansas City Chiefs participates in OTA Offseason workouts at The University of Kansas Health System Training Complex on May 22, 2024 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
One of the strategies the New York Giants had to beat the New England Patriots was to make sure the Patriots receivers took a shot whether they caught the ball or not. As a speed receiver, Worthy tends to shy away from contact. Hitting him hard might make him slow up just a bit.
5. Keep their composure
SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 23: Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs reacts during the second half against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium on October 23, 2022 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Kansas City is going to get calls, and Mahomes will get calls. Don’t worry about the refs and concentrate on the next play.
