NFC and AFC Game Recaps
Sean Gordon
Staff Writer
The big game is set. The Philadelphia Eagles get a chance at redemption against the reigning Kansas City Chiefs at Super Bowl LIX. Let’s look at how both teams punched their tickets:
Philadelphia Eagles 55-23 Washington Commanders
The tone of this game was set on Philadelphia’s first play from scrimmage when Saquon Barkley ran for a 60-yard house call. In the biggest game of his career to date, the superstar running back finished with 118 yards and three touchdowns. Jalen Hurts, who was playing with a banged-up knee, added another three rushing touchdowns himself and a passing touchdown to A.J. Brown.
Philadelphia’s 55 points are the most a team has scored in a conference championship since the 1970 merger.
The Commanders started the game with a promising 18-play drive that resulted in a field goal. After Barkley opened the scoring for the Eagles, Washington fumbled on their next drive which ultimately set up another Barkley rushing touchdown, making it a 14-3 game. This was the start of a long day for the Commanders.
Washington’s offense, led by rookie Jayden Daniels, struggled to find a consistent groove, turning the ball over a total of four times. Daniels threw for 255 yards, a touchdown, and an interception and added a rushing touchdown. The rookie fell short of becoming the first rookie quarterback to make a Super Bowl appearance.
Despite the dominant victory, the stout Philadelphia offensive line suffered two key injuries. Pro Bowl center Cam Jurgens was declared active for the outing, but did not start. Landon Dickerson was moved from his left guard position to replace Jurgens at center but suffered a knee injury in the game.
Kansas City Chiefs 32-29 Buffalo Bills
In another playoff classic, the back-to-back champs send the Buffalo Bills home empty-handed yet again to earn their chance at a historic three-peat. This marks the fourth time since 2021 that the Chiefs have defeated the Bills in the playoffs.
Patrick Mahomes threw for 245 yards and a touchdown, adding another two on the ground. Travis Kelce was held to just two catches for 19 yards.
Josh Allen did everything in his power to will his team to the win, but it was not enough. The MVP favorite threw for 237 yards and two touchdowns. Steve Spagnuolo’s defense was able to bring consistent pressure and limited Allen’s rushing ability, as he only managed 39 yards in that department.
The back-and-forth brawl between the two AFC heavyweights had fans thinking this one could have a different ending. However, Andy Reid’s Chiefs are inevitable.
The game was not without its controversy. A ball that appeared to hit the ground was ruled a catch for Xavier Worthy on a critical third down late in the second quarter. The drive resulted in a touchdown, giving the Chiefs a 21-10 lead.
One of the most important plays of the game was also surrounded controversy. A close call was given Kansas City’s way after it was ruled that Josh Allen was stuffed on a crucial fourth and inches in the fourth quarter. The Chiefs capitalized on the opportunity, scoring a touchdown to go up 29-22 with ten minutes remaining in the game.
Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills would not go away that easily, however. They responded by putting together a scoring drive to even up the score 29-29.
The ball was given back to Mahomes and the Chiefs offense with just over six minutes remaining. If you know anything about this matchup, you know that is too much time to give the serial winner that is Patrick Mahomes. Kansas City managed a Harrison Butker field goal to put them up 32-29 with three and a half minutes remaining.
Kansas City’s defense was able to come up with a huge stop, giving the ball back to the offense to run out the clock.
Contact Sean at sean.gordon@student.shu.edu
