For the first time since the 2017/2018 season, the number one seeds in each NFL conference met in the Super Bowl. In that season, the Philadelphia Eagles defeated the New England Patriots — this year, those same Eagles lost to the Kansas City Chiefs. The Chiefs hoisted the Lombardi Trophy after beating the Eagles 38-35 in a duel between two superb offences.
Playing on a visibly injured ankle, Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes spearheaded his team to victory, throwing for three touchdowns and becoming the first player since 1999 to win both the regular season MVP and Super Bowl MVP awards in the same season. The Chiefs came into the game having won 13 out of their last 14 games and had just chased their demons away by beating the Cincinnati Bengals in the AFC Championship game. Their high-octane offence could not be slowed down, even by the vaunted Eagles’ defence. Superstar, Travis Kelce, was rolling in the first half, scoring the Chiefs’ first touchdown of the game. When the Eagles tried to adjust to slow down Kelce, the Chiefs were able to adjust and spread the ball around.
JuJu Smith-Schuster had 6 receptions in the second half as Isaiah Pacheco ate up big chunks in the run game. Midseason acquisition Kadarius Toney added a receiving touchdown and a pivotal 65-yard punt return, the longest in Super Bowl history. The Eagles’ defensive line, who helped to put up the third most sacks in NFL history this year, were held to just two sacks for a total of two yards lost. They were never able to meaningfully pressure Mahomes, as tight end Noah Gray and running back Jerick McKinnon stepped up massively in the blocking game.
The Eagles’ offense did more than their share, but it was not enough in the end. Quarterback Jalen Hurts didn’t get sacked at all as he rushed for 70 yards and three touchdowns, tying Terrell Davis’ record for rushing touchdowns in a Super Bowl. Their dynamic receiving duo of A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith combined for 13 catches, 196 yards, and a touchdown. A 45-yard bomb to Brown was a huge momentum gain in the first half, but the Chiefs were able to weather the storm for a victory. The turn of the tide was assisted by a fumble from Hurts that was recovered and taken back for a touchdown by Nick Bolton. Late in the fourth quarter, the Chiefs defense was able to force the Eagles to punt, which led to a long Chiefs drive ending in a game-winning field goal by Harrison Butker with eight seconds remaining.
Looking to the future, the Chiefs don’t show any signs of slowing down. Patrick Mahomes is establishing himself as a truly dominant quarterback and is quickly rising up the all-time ranks of legendary QBs. There’s also a chance that both their offensive and defensive coordinators (Eric Bieniemy and Steve Spagnuolo) return next year, which would be excellent for the Chiefs. As for Philadelphia, their overall dominance should also carry over into next season, as they are poised to keep many of their key pieces. Jalen Hurts’ job security was in question heading into this season, but now he’s a top-three quarterback in the NFC.
Every team will look to improve enough to knock off the Chiefs in the 2023 season, which starts with free agency beginning on Mar. 15, followed by the NFL Draft.
