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)
Both these teams are great, it’s why they are playing in the biggest game of the year. The question is, what can they do in this game to set them apart from their opponent? Here are the keys to each teams success:
Eagles: 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.
Chiefs: Stop the Tush Push
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – SEPTEMBER 19: Quarterback Jalen Hurts #1 of the Philadelphia Eagles throws the ball during the second half in the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Lincoln Financial Field on September 19, 2021 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
One of the things the Chiefs did so well against the Bills was that they were totally prepared for the direction that Josh Allen preferred to go for the tush push. Players and teams have their tendencies. The Chiefs know the tush push is coming, now they need to contain it.
Chiefs: Take away A.J. Brown
LANDOVER, MARYLAND – OCTOBER 29: A.J. Brown #11 of the Philadelphia Eagles runs as he is tackled by Emmanuel Forbes #13 of the Washington Commanders during the second quarter at FedExField on October 29, 2023 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Jess Rapfogel/Getty Images)
The Eagles biggest flaw on offense is their lack of depth at wide receiver. A.J. Brown is the Eagles best downfield weapon and taking him out of the game by double-teaming him will force Jalen Hurts to use receivers like Jahan Dotson and Johnny Wilson more than he wants.
Eagles: 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.
Eagles: 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.
Chiefs: Stop Saquon Barkley
PHILADELPHIA, PA – JANUARY 12: Saquon Barkley #26 of the Philadelphia Eagles runs out of the tunnel prior to an NFL football wild card playoff game against the Green Bay Packers at Lincoln Financial Field on January 12, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images)
This is easier to say than it is to do. Barkley has arguably been the best player in the league this season, and he is the driver of the Eagles offense. Holding him to under 4.0 YPC would be a huge victory for the Chiefs defense.
Eagles: 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.
Chiefs: Spread the ball around
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI – NOVEMBER 10: DeAndre Hopkins #8 of the Kansas City Chiefs runs after the catch in the fourth quarter of a game against the Denver Broncos at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on November 10, 2024 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images)
The last time these two teams met in the Super Bowl, both Kadarius Toney and Skyy Moore scored TD passes to help the Chiefs win. The Chiefs WR corps is deep, and players like Juju Smith-Schuster and DeAndre Hopkins will need to step up against a quality Eagles secondary.
Eagles: 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.
Chiefs: Make a big play on defense or special teams
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI – JANUARY 26: Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo of the Kansas City Chiefs stands on the field during the second half of the AFC Championship football game against the Buffalo Bills, at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on January 26, 2025 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Brooke Sutton/Getty Images)
Jalen Hurts took plenty of sacks in the first 2 rounds of the playoffs. If the Chiefs defense can do that to him, they are in a good spot. Nikko Remigio has been sensational, returning punts and kicks during the playoffs. If he can make a few big returns and get the Chiefs in a good starting field position, Patrick Mahomes will not have to drive as far downfield against a tough Eagles defense.
