Super Bowl LIX Defensive Matchups
It is finally time for the big game! The NFL season is wrapping up, but not before we see who takes home the Lombardi Trophy. The Eagles and Chiefs will face off in a rematch of Super Bowl LVII. Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs are looking for a three-peat, while the Eagles and Jalen Hurts are trying to get revenge against the Chiefs. It could be the toughest test for the Chiefs in the past three years, as they must stop Saquon Barkley. We will find out Sunday night, but until then, I will analyze the defensive matchups. Read more Super Bowl LIX defensive matchups.
Super Bowl LIX Preview
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Kansas City Chiefs’ Offense
The Eagles have had a dominant defense this season. They held teams to 17.9 points per game this season, the best in the league. That is down from 25.6 per game last season. They are stacked at every position and have a lot of depth, which should help them against the Chiefs. The Chiefs hold the ball for 50.79% of the game, which ranks 13th in the league. They will want to take care of the ball in this game to wear out the Eagles’ defense and force them to make substitutions on the defensive line.
Brandon Graham was activated off of injured reserve and will be available to play on Sunday. He adds another layer of depth to the stacked front seven for the Eagles. Jalen Carter and Jordan Davis have been dominant against the run this season, while Nolan Smith Jr. leads the team with four sacks in the postseason.
Josh Sweat led the defense with eight sacks in the regular season but has not registered one in the playoffs. The Eagles will need him to get after Patrick Mahomes in this matchup or at least draw double teams. Carter will also see a lot of double teams, but his strength will help him overcome these. He also is great at tipping passes and disrupting plays. The Eagles also have a +10 turnover differential in three games this postseason. Mahomes and the Chiefs will have their work cut out for them in this matchup.
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Kansas City Chiefs vs. Philadelphia Eagles’ Offense
The Chiefs allowed 19.4 points per game this season, which ranks fourth in the league. Trent McDuffie and Chris Jones are the undeniable leaders of this defense. George Karalaftis is also a force on the edge, recording three sacks through two games this postseason. He also led the team with eight sacks in the regular season. The Eagles will undoubtedly be keying on him on passing plays.
McDuffie led the team with 13 pass deflections in the regular season while recording two interceptions and one forced fumble. The Chiefs have not done a great job creating turnovers in the playoffs. They have yet to record one while turning the ball over once on offense. They need to do a better job of creating havoc on the defensive side of the ball, which will be hard against the Eagles. Tackling will also be key against the explosive Saquon Barkley.
Nick Bolton led the team with 106 total tackles in the regular season and will be relied on to fight through blocks and get to Barkley near the line of scrimmage. It could be a low-scoring affair between two of the best defenses in the league, with turnovers being the deciding factor in this matchup.
