Chief Seegle Super Bowl LIX: 5 Things to See

Here’s the ultimate game for the 2024 NFL season. The Kansas City Chiefs (17-2) will face the Philadelphia Eagles (17-3) in the Super Bowl LIX at the Caesars Super Dome in New Orleans, Louisiana. Kick-off is set for Arrowhead Time on Sundays at 5:30pm.

The city of New Orleans is holding its 11th title game, bringing together Miami, Florida, the most in one city. The first was Super Bowl IV for Tulane Stadium, the game in which the Chiefs defeated the Minnesota Vikings 23-7 to win the franchise’s first Super Bowl.

Fifty-five years later, the Chiefs returned to New Orleans with the chance to make NFL history. No team has won three consecutive Super Bowls. To do this, the Chiefs will have to defeat the Eagles on their second biggest stage in their three seasons. Two years ago, the Chiefs kicked a field goal over time to win the Super Bowl LVII.

The unprecedented, three-time defending champion Chiefs’ motivations head straight out with hunger and revenge from Philadelphia’s side. Here are five things to see in an epic matchup:

1. Patrick Mahomes playing through traffic

Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes saved his most impactful performance of the season due to his AFC Championship victory over the Bills. Specifically, he was disciplined in the pocket, efficient with quick passes, completing 12 of 15 attempts and touchdowns for 15 yards. He also made the most of each of his rushing opportunities.

Despite the Eagles blew the blitz out at the fifth-lowest speed in the NFL, he or the ball will likely need to come out against Philadelphia soon. The scheme of defensive coordinator Vic Fangio will center on trusting four talented rush units led by defensive tackle Jalen Carter.

Carter lined up almost exclusively to the right of the attack. It mainly directs him at right guard Trey Smith, but left guard Mike Kaliendo has interior destructors like Milton Williams, Jordan Davis and Moro Ojomo. The defensive tackle room has four sacks, with 25 quarterback pressure combining this playoff.

Center Creed Humphrey needs to keep his head spinning to maintain the front of his pocket.

Second year Edge Rush Nolan Smith has four bags this postseason itself. He mainly matches the Chiefs’ right tackle Jawan Taylor.

2. Saquon Berkley’s Gravity

A key factor in the Chiefs’ defense is the scheme and how players are committed to sealing the running lane against the Eagles running Sukuon Barkley.

This postseason, Berkley has 62, 78 and 60 yards of touchdown runs. These game break plays boost the stretch of three games, with only a rushing success rate of 34.8%. In the regular season, he ranked 34th among qualified running backs.

Plans to limit Berkley’s explosive play include the safety of Justin Reed playing consistently close to the line of scrimmage. Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnulo also uses a set of three linebackers featuring linebacker Leo Chenal.

Interior defensive lines and linebackers take a lot of responsibility to break through blocking barriers. It’s hard to do that on the edge, so look for those defenders to be sturdy on the back and choose the spot you’re trying to blow up the run.

3. Compensation Chief’s Plan

If the focus is on Barkley’s limitations, it puts pressure on the Chiefs’ backend, limiting major completion to wide receivers AJ Brown and Devonta Smith, and even tight ends will be Dallas Gordart.

Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts wants to target browndownfield and boundaries. This season, Brown is aligned at an average depth of 13.2 yards to match the outside at 82% of the snaps. Still, the Chiefs’ external cornerbacks can’t play softly in alignment, as they could be diagonally fatal.

The use of cornerback Trent McDuffy is something to watch. A better individual matchup is Smith, as Brown’s physical skill set seems to bring McDuffy the most trouble. He is a major slot receiver in Philadelphia. The Chiefs can lean towards cornerbacks who trust Brown’s Jalen Watson and Joshua Williams, and can mask safety when possible.

Goedert has received the Eagles leader (15) and yards (188) this postseason. He is a wounded safety blanket and can utilize the space created by other playmakers. The Chiefs’ linebacker and safety efforts and close coverage are key to limiting Goedert’s impact.

4. Return your running to second level

The Eagles front is multiple and destructive, taking up a lot of space as opposed crimes try to get the run game to work.

The Chiefs need to find a way to bring Kareem Hunt back to second level, whether it’s a creative lance scheme or a pass play that sets up a hunt to break tackles. According to PFF, Hunt forced seven missed tackles in a runplay at the AFC Championship.

5. Situational soccer

The Super Bowl is a situational run on either side. The Chiefs ranked second in their third conversion rate this year, but the Eagles’ defense allowed the third lowest rate. The Eagles’ offense ranked 10th, facing the Chiefs’ defense, allowing for the seventh-highest rating on the third down.

Both crimes ranked in the top four in their fourth conversion rate. The Chiefs wouldn’t think Philadelphia’s short yard scheme would be as easy to follow as last week’s Buffalo Bills. The best way to protect “Tush Push” is to avoid short yard scenarios. That’s why running speeds on an early down can be risky, but they’ll be rewarded more. The Eagles’ play call is not dynamic on a long down.

The Chiefs will need to win in the air in the red zone for a big front due to Philadelphia’s goal line situation. Find the speeds of wide receivers Hollywood Brown, Xavier Worthy and Justin Watson.