Chiefs Stun the Eagles in Super Bowl LVII

Patrick Mahomes has done it again. The now two-time Super Bowl champion and MVP battled through his high ankle sprain to score three touchdowns and carry the Kansas City Chiefs past the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LVII in State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.

Coming into the game, the Chiefs' defense was known for its strong defensive line, but other than that it was predictable that Jalen Hurts and the Eagles’ offense would take over. However, it was a shock for fans to see the Eagles' defense look inferior to the Chiefs’ offense. Mahomes and his ankle were the x-factors in the game. Football fans were aware of Mahomes’ capability to win the game given his resumé of five consecutive Pro Bowls and division titles, and a Super Bowl already under his belt. He looked comfortable in and outside of the pocket until a scare at the end of the second quarter.

With 1:33 remaining in the second, Eagles’ linebacker, T.J. Edwards, tackled Mahomes after a four-yard rush. An eerie pause of disbelief came from commentators, Kevin Burkhardt and Greg Olsen, on the FOX broadcast as Mahomes was seen limping on one leg toward the Chiefs’ sideline. It seems that the 30-minute halftime period gave Mahomes a chance to rejuvenate as he soared in the second half.

On the other side, Eagles’ quarterback, Jalen Hurts, proved any remaining doubters wrong. Hurts is similar to Mahomes in the way that he is a threat in the air and on the run. Including yesterday’s game, Hurts has 143 rushing yards and 5 rushing touchdowns in this year’s playoffs. Three of those touchdowns and a rushing score to convert a two-point conversion were in the Super Bowl.

The Eagles’ biggest disappointment came from their defense. The defensive line made it easy for Mahomes to navigate his choices between passing and running. Fletcher Cox and his defensive linemates rarely pressured Mahomes as they had zero sacks the entire game. The defense allowed 182 passing yards and 158 rushing yards accounting for four touchdowns allowed. The Chiefs’ side didn’t do much better however they did force a fumble from Hurts that led to a touchdown by linebacker, Nick Bolton.

A controversial holding penalty by Eagles’ cornerback, James Bradberry, secured the win for the Chiefs. Nonetheless, without the strong performance of Mahomes, the Chiefs wouldn’t be celebrating.