Super Bowl LIX Offensive 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 offensive matchups. Read more Super Bowl LIX offensive matchups.
Super Bowl LIX Preview
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Kansas City Chiefs’ Defense
The difference-maker for the Eagles is Saquon Barkley and their offensive line. The offense goes as they go. The Eagles are averaging 227.7 rushing yards per game in the postseason, and Barkley leads all running backs with 147.3 rushing yards per game. He is also gaining 6.7 yards per rush. The Chiefs’ run defense has been middle-of-the-pack, allowing 148 rushing yards per game through two games in the postseason. Barkley should have room to run against this defense, especially with a healthy offensive line.
Jalen Hurts should also make a difference, as he always does with the “Tush Push.” He could also gain some yards by getting out of the pocket. The Chiefs allowed C.J. Stroud to run for 42 yards in their first postseason game and 39 yards to Josh Allen in their last game. If the running game is not working, the offense may get stagnant.
Hurts only averages 168.3 passing yards per game, but he has not thrown an interception in the postseason. He must take care of the ball against this defense to keep the ball out of Patrick Mahomes’ hands. A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith average 40 receiving yards per game in the postseason. One of them will have to step up because Trent McDuffie will likely lock down one of them.
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Kansas City Chiefs vs. Philadelphia Eagles’ Defense
The Chiefs have been gaining momentum on the offensive side of the ball in the latter part of the season. The Eagles have allowed 245.7 passing yards per game this postseason. Mahomes is averaging 211 yards per game, with two touchdowns and zero interceptions in the playoffs. Xavier Worthy has been his favorite target through two playoff games, garnering 13 targets, but Travis Kelce is behind him with 12 targets. They each have caught a touchdown, too. Kelce has been the downfield target, averaging 15.1 yards per reception, while Worthy is at 11.8 per target. Worthy’s speed is his biggest weapon, so the Chiefs like to get the ball in his hands and let him make plays. He has three plays of 20+ yards thus far in the postseason.
Kareem Hunt has been the main back for the Chiefs this season since Isiah Pacheco went down with an injury earlier in the season. Hunt has 25 carries for 108 yards and two touchdowns through two games in the playoffs. Pacheco only has 10 carries for 30 yards and has not looked like his usual self since returning from injury. The Eagles have been solid against running backs this postseason, only allowing 105.7 rushing yards per game. Jalen Carter has been a major reason, and Brandon Graham could help them even more if he can play. Mahomes could also make a difference in the rushing attack. He had 43 yards and two touchdowns in the Conference Championship game against the Bills. The Eagles need to contain him, not allow him to extend the play and improvise, where he is at his best.
