Super Bowl LIV was a rematch from just two years ago. Could the Chiefs complete the three-peat, or would the Eagles roster prove too deep for head coach Andy Reid, and his Kansas City squad?
Both teams’ offenses struggled to move the ball, with their defenses playing strong early. Philadelphia started to edge away in time of possession and yardage, leading to a one-yard “tush push” to put the Eagles up 7-0. With only one first down in the quarter, the Chiefs were struggling. Eagles running back Saquon Barkley made a difference in a way one may not expect, coming up with multiple key blocks.
Philadelphia was gaining momentum, and marched down into the red zone. Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts under-threw his receiver in the end zone, resulting in an interception, from Chiefs safety Bryan Cook. Kansas City could not take advantage and were forced to punt. The Eagles converted that to a 48-yard field goal to go up 10-0, 8:38 left in the half.
The Philadelphia defense did not let up, with back-to-back sacks followed by a timely pick-six from Eagles cornerback Cooper DeJean. The Eagles were up 17-0 with 7:03 left in the second quarter. Philadelphia followed that up with another sack on the Chiefs following third down.
The Chiefs were not their typical selves in the first half, with only 14 total yards, Kansas City quarterback Patrick Mahomes threw his second interception, and Eagles’ linebacker Zack Baun caught this one. The interception happened in the red zone, setting up a passing touchdown to Philadelphia wide receiver AJ Brown, Eagles up 24-0.
Kansas City opened the second half with the ball, but their struggles continued, punting after just one first down. Largely thanks to Hurts breaking off a couple of big runs, the Eagles marched back down to the red zone. Philadelphia was held to a 29-yard field goal, going up 27-0, with 5:18 left in the third.
With 2:40 left in the quarter, Hurts connected with wide receiver DeVonta Smith on a 46-yard touchdown, Eagles up 34-0. Chiefs wide receiver Xavier Worthy finally put Kansas City on the board with a TD reception. After missing the two-point conversion, the Chiefs were down 34-6.
With 9:51 left in the game, Eagles place kicker Jake Elliott drilled a 48-yard field goal down the middle, putting the Eagles up 37-6. Just 8 seconds later, the Eagles stripped the ball and recovered, setting them up in great field position. Philadelphia settled for a 50-yard field goal to go up 40-6.
Kansas City managed another touchdown with 2:54 remaining, Mahomes to wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins. The Chiefs were successful on the two-point conversion, 40-14 Eagles. Philadelphia decided this was close enough, preemptively giving head coach Nick Sirianni the Gatorade shower. Chiefs wide receiver Xavier Worthy caught a 50-yard garbage time touchdown, making it 40-22 after the successful two-point conversion.
Mahomes was not himself, throwing two interceptions and giving up a strip sack. The Chiefs offensive line also disappointed, allowing six sacks, none of which came off the blitz. Philadelphia’s defense proved too dominant for Kansas City, while their offense spread the touchdowns over four individuals. Eagles placekicker Jake Elliott also went 4/4 on field goals.
Howe Fresh
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