Same old managers, the same old eagles? Keep the phone.
Football fans outside the Greater Philadelphia areas and Kansas City may not be happy that the 2024 season will end in a two-year-and-and-and-chief-and-chief and that Chiefs will be and center again and strive for a three-turf.
But law does not remain static for two years. Here are the four important ways Super Bowl Lix will differ from the 38-35 Chief victory in February 2023.
Eagles new coordinator
December 1, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator Kellen Moore on the sideline during the first half against Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Pictures Shane Steichen and Jonathan Gannon were the offensive and defensive coordinators in Philly last time Eagles did this. They quickly got head coaching jobs in Indianapolis and Arizona, and after Eagles epic collapse from a 10-1 start next season, replacements Brian Johnson and Sean Desai paid the prize.
Eagles upgraded both places with Youngster Kellen Moore and Veteran Vic Fangio respectively. The improvement felt most strong at the defensive end, as they jumped from the 26th on permitted farms and 30th points to first and second respectively.
Fangio had lots of fantastic pieces to work with, but he has fit them together to form a unit that will not be burned in the passport or driving. Statistically, it is an even better defense than Philly had two Super Bowls then.
Saquon Barkley runs widespread
26 Jan 2025; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles who drive back Saquon Barkley (26) celebrate after a touchdown against Washington Commander during the second half of the NFC championship at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn images There is not much we have to add here after our story at Barkley this weekend. The locomotive of a recovery from the nearby Lehigh Valley was an instant here when he left the rival giants for the Eagles, and he is the most obvious difference (and the difference manufacturer) in the Super Bowl Lix.
In Super Bowl Lvii, Jalen Hurts was a monster that led the team in rush with 70 meters and three touchdowns except that they passed for 304 meters. But he also lost a costly Fumble returned for a touchdown, and maybe this time it will not be put on a man’s shoulders. Kenneth Gainwell and Miles Sanders combined for 37 rushing turns that evening; Barkley is an average of 147.3 per match in the playoffs and says nothing about its 2000-farm’s regular season.
Chiefs’ review receiving corps
26 Jan 2025; Kansas City, Mo, USA; Kansas City Chief’s Tight End Travis Kelce (87) responds to the stage after the AFC championship against Buffalo Bills at Geha Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn images Let’s leave the suddenly revived Travis Kelce from this section and focus on broad recipients. Two years ago, KC’s Marquez included selected-scantling, Kadarius Toney and Skyy Moore. The two latter captured Touchdowns for the fourth quarter to drive Chiefs’ comeback.
Now Vales-Scantling and Toney are no longer managers, and Moore (abdomen) is doubtful for the game after getting from IR. The alternatives that join Juju Smith-Schuster include the acquisition of the Mids season Deandre Hopkins, Hollywood Brown and Rookie Xavier Worthy. And while the first two have a certain name brand for them, Worthy has been the best of gang, which led Chiefs with 11 receptions on 13 goals in the playoffs after a strong finish to the regular season.
The Eagles have a large secondary, but which recipients they choose to focus on containing will play an important role in the result.
Won in the trench
December 29, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles Center Cam Jurgens (51) in action against Dallas Cowboys during the second quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn images Eagles Center Jason Kelce and Right Guard Isaac Seumalo have moved on, but replacement Cam Jurgens and Mekhi Becton has kept the Breader air on the right track.
The staff at Chief’s defensive front is largely the same, but long-term D-coordinator Steve Spagnuolo has them blitzing more, from 24.2% of dropbacks during the 2022 season to 31.6% this past season, according to Pro Football reference.
On the back, KC no longer has its two start tackles from Super Bowl Lvii, Orlando Brown and Andrew Wylie. Mahome was not dismissed that night in Glendale, Ariz., And enjoyed the second lowest sack rate in his career 2022; His bag rate hit a career value 5.83% this year, and he lost five times in Chief’s first two playoffs.
It can spell bad news for a revived Eagles front led by Nolan Smith (four sacks in the playoffs) and Jalen Carter (two) -both make their first Super Bowl performances.
