While the ranged clash between Patrick Mahomes and Jalen Hurts will be key, other important areas could swing the game.
Kick-off in the night from Sunday to Monday at 00:30
Philadelphia Eagles (1) – Kansas City Chiefs (1)
Here we are ! The Super Bowl, 57th of the name. This Sunday, the epilogue of this season is played in Arizona. Late tonight, we’ll find out who of the Eagles or Chiefs will win their second title in the space of a few years. Philadelphia’s last dates back to 2017. And in this period of retirement for Tom Brady, it resonates particularly. For Kansas City, it was three years ago (only). A new ring for Andy Reid’s men would validate a dynasty with three Super Bowls and two rings in just 4 years. On the other side, a success for the Eagles would open the doors to a potential period of dominance for Jalen Hurts and his team.
Stay in shape
Precisely this quarterback duel between the Philadelphia pitcher and Patrick Mahomes will turn all eyes on this Sunday. The two men are the keystones of the offensive systems. On the one hand, Hurts is a real double threat. The former Alabama and Oklahoma Sooners has come of age and is proving he has the shoulders, legs and arms to take offense to the highest level. Opposite, this has not been a question for a long time for Patrick Mahomes. The probable two-time league MVP has been the most talented pitcher in the NFL for several years now. His qualities are out of the ordinary and Andy Reid’s system allows him perfect expression. Even diminished, it remains a threat at all times. But this meeting also opposes two teams complete around the pitcher. And this game won’t just be a quarterback duel.
Like what is likely to happen on the lines. It is often said in football that “The game is won in the trenches”. A saying that often proves true and this Super Bowl should be no exception to the rule. In this area, the Eagles start with a head start. Their offensive line is probably the best in the NFL this season. The 5 basic men (Lane Johnson – Isaac Seumalo – Jason Kelce – Landon Dickerson – Jordan Mailata) form an almost impassable wall, capable also (and especially) to open breaches in the ground game. It will take at least that to contain a Chris Jones who seems unstoppable since the start of these playoffs.
A crucial ability to adapt
On the other side of the ball too, the Philadelphia line impresses. On the pass-rush in particular, the danger can come from anywhere. Javon Hargrave, Brandon Graham, Josh Sweat or even Haason Reddick are all over 10 bags this season. The latter is also a headache for the opposing coordinators. Often positioned at the ends of the line, he is a permanent danger. Faced with this strike force, the Chiefs have the respondent. This offensive line is for example much better than two years ago. We remember that against the Buccaneers, she was one of the main reasons for Kansas City’s defeat in the Super Bowl. Today, she is one of the strengths of this team and especially within it with one of the best trios in the league: Joe Thuney, Creed Humphrey and Trey Smith.
Beyond the lines, there are many areas through which this match could change. There is no point in detailing them all here (this is where it happens), especially since we know that a Super Bowl only happens too rarely as we expected. The adaptability of these two teams will therefore be crucial. Which of the two will be the most able to adapt their game plan during the match? To react to events, not always anticipated? For this, the distance confrontation between the two coaches will also be interesting to observe between a coach experienced in this kind of battles at high altitude who should remain on his principles (Andy Reid) and a new one at this level which brings a certain freshness (Nick Siriani).
