The Rematch

Justin Loretz
Staff Writer 

For the second year in a row, the two teams playing in the Super Bowl are facing off in a rematch. The Kansas City Chiefs, of course, will be attending their annual invitation in New Orleans, looking to make history by three-peating, while the Philadelphia Eagles hope to rise to the occasion and avenge the 2022-2023 team’s shootout loss. One new face, however, is staring from above, after having shattered records and teams all season long. In case it was not obvious, that man is Saquon Barkley, and no matter how bad fans may want to hate him and the team he is on for his domination, the guy makes it impossible. On the other hand, Patrick Mahomes has embraced a villain complex, after Tom Brady (the only man to defeat him in the Super Bowl) passed that torch onto him. His sidekick, Travis Kelce, has done the same, despite a very disappointing season with him, which has pushed fans even further away. However, though it may seem like everyone is eager to see them lose, the recent poll conducted by Seton Hall Sports Poll indicated that this is not the case, as 26% of the general population is still in favor of the Chiefs. This is less than the 29% that are for the Eagles, but the difference is slim.

While the Chiefs are a combined 17-2, a slightly better record than that of the Eagles (17-3), only one of these teams has truly been terrorizing opponents all season long. Andy Reid seems to have a knack for winning close games, as their 15-2 regular season point differential average was a measly 3.47, which is paltry compared to the Eagles’ 9.41 (both teams rested starters for their final games). But, ultimately, none of the past matters. All that does is the game played on February ninth. So, how do these teams stack up against one another?

The Chiefs’ defense has truly been the driving force behind this team, and without them, it is unlikely they would be here. Steve Spagnulo, or “Spag’s” has solidified himself as one of the greatest coordinators in NFL history, and since taking the position for the Chiefs in 2019, his defense has yet to allow one player to rush for 100 yards. Even still, stifling Saquon, who has averaged over 150 yards in his last five games, would be a miracle. And, if they force Hurts to throw, he has the arm, and the receivers, to prove he can do just that. The Chiefs have played games without mistakes before, but this time around, it is necessary if they want to win.

Statistics suggest that the Eagles have the upper hand in almost every position group with several superstars. Back in 2023, their secondary that was responsible for surrendering 38 points and a holding penalty that allowed the Chiefs to win. Now, because of this past draft class alone, it is possibly the best in the league. Cooper DeJean and Quinyon Mitchell have completely strapped down the receivers they line up against all season. They serve as two of the thirty-six players who have seen at least seventy-five targets in coverage this season, including the playoffs. When they are the nearest defenders in coverage defending targets, the duo ranks second and third in yards allowed. But the narrative all season long that neglects analytics is the Chiefs’ unwavering prowess in winning games, and this is why the Eagles are underdogs going into it. So, will Mahomes prove yet again why that is the case, or will Hurts go out and show out to silence his doubters?

Contact Justin at justin.loretz@student.shu.edu