The Philadelphia Eagles prepare to face the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX with history on their side. Philadelphia had the No. 1 defense in the regular. Starting quarterbacks are 3-11 in Super Bowls against top-ranked defenses.
The last time the top defense during the regular season reached the Super Bowl was the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl 50. They defeated the Carolina Panthers 24-10. Denver’s defense forced four turnovers in the resounding victory. How will the Philadelphia Eagles defense fare on Sunday in New Orleans?
Philadelphia Eagles Defense Looks To Dominate
Can the @Eagles help prove that defense wins championships? 🏆
📺: #SBLIX – Sunday 6:30pm ET on FOX
📱: Tubi + NFL app pic.twitter.com/sZDvAN6wqz— NFL (@NFL) February 5, 2025
Philadelphia’s defense was the league’s best during the regular season. They surrendered the fewest yards per game and were the best unit against the pass. While their defense has not been as successful in the NFL Playoffs, they will provide a formidable test to the Kansas City Chiefs. The simplest way for the Philadelphia Eagles to win on Sunday is to have their vaunted defensive line take advantage of a patchwork Chiefs offensive line.
After struggling to block for Quarterback Patrick Mahomes earlier in the season, the unit found its footing later in the year. They have the fifth-best-rated offensive line heading into the Super Bowl. Philadelphia’s defensive line is chalked full of first-round picks including No. 13 overall pick Jordan Davis and No. 9 overall pick Jalen Carter. Philadelphia was also sixth in Pass Block Win Rate during the regular season.
Philadelphia’s biggest task in the Super Bowl will be corralling the Mahomes-Travis Kelce connection. That duo has made up the most lethal connection in playoff history. They set the record for most touchdowns for a duo in NFL postseason history in January 2024. Kelce and Mahomes have added two touchdowns since they set the record. Kelce has not been as lethal as in years past, but that does not mean the Philadelphia Eagles defense should take the all-time great lightly. When these teams faced off two years ago in Super Bowl LVII, he had 6 catches for 81 yards and a receiving touchdown.
Final Thoughts
Kansas City’s offense, following a middling season, came alive in the AFC Championship Game against the Buffalo Bills. They scored a season-high 32 points and are clicking at precisely the right time. Kansas City’s offense will have their work cut out for them against a tremendous Eagles defense. If they want to complete a three-peat for the first time in the Super Bowl era, they need to be at their best. Luckily for them, they have the championship pedigree to do just that.
