Super Bowl Preview
This Sunday, the biggest night in American sports takes place, as the 59th rendition of the Super Bowl is set to kick off at 6:30 PM. Between a rich history, two star-studded teams, many underlying storylines, and a championship on the line, this year’s game will have it all. Here is a detailed preview of the game, how the two teams got here, storylines, and what to watch for.
How each team got here:
Chiefs: The Chiefs began the season on a 9-0 winning streak, winning close game after close game. Despite their dominance, many believed that the Chiefs looked more vulnerable and less talented than the last two seasons, in which they have won the Super Bowl. Following a close loss to the Bills ending their undefeated season, they won every game until week 18 when they rested all of their starters after securing the number one seed in the AFC and a first-round bye. In the divisional round of the playoffs (Round of 8) the Chiefs faced off with a hungry, young Houston Texans team. Despite a close game, the Chiefs won in large part due to star tight end Travis Kelce’s 117 yards and one touchdown catch. These two teams, led each by star Quarterbacks Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen, were facing off for the fourth time in the last five years in the playoffs. Mahomes had never lost to Allen in the playoffs, and the streak continued as the Chiefs escaped with a 32-29 victory over the Bills following a fourth down stop with just two minutes left in the game.
Eagles: The Eagles began the regular season poorly, losing two of their first four games. This left fans calling for head coach Nick Sirriani to be fired and many losing hope on what was expected to be a promising season. However, following their week four loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Eagles rattled off ten straight wins and won 12 of their last 13 regular season games. The team entered the playoffs scorching hot as the number two seed in the NFC, only behind the Detroit Lions. While the score was somewhat close for most of the game, the Eagles had complete control in their first-round victory over the seventh-seeded Packers. A real test would come in the divisional round, as they would have to play in a snow game against the Los Angeles Rams, an experienced team that had won the Super Bowl just three years ago. The game was an ugly one and a physical battle, but the Eagles prevailed due to running back Saquon Barkey’s (205 yards, 2 TDs) heroics. On the other side of the bracket, the 6th seeded Washinton Commanders had shocked everyone by upsetting first the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and then the number one seed Detroit Lions on the road. The Commanders were the only team that had beaten the Eagles in the last 13 weeks of the regular season and were led by rookie phenom Jayden Daniels. Following a Commander’s field goal on the opening drive, Saquon Barkley took a rush on the Eagles offense’s first play of the game 60 yards to the end zone. The team never looked back from there, winning 55-23 and showcasing their offensive dominance.
Biggest Storylines:
Chiefs on the verge of NFL history:
Since the Super Bowl was first aired in 1967, no NFL team has ever won three straight titles. The Chiefs have the opportunity to do the unthinkable on Sunday. Led by star QB Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City has clearly emerged as the next NFL Dynasty.
Barkley’s Dominance has one final test on the way:
Saquon Barkey was a member of the Eagles’ archrival, the New York Giants, just one year ago. The Giants decided not to sign him as they felt he wanted too much money and had to sit back and watch as Saquon signed with the Eagles. Saquon, the number two overall pick, had shown flashes of greatness with the Giants but was riddled with injuries, new coaches, and horrible offensive lines. This all changed when Saquon went to Philadelphia. Saquon ran for 2,005 yards this season to go along with 13 touchdowns. He also had 278 yards receiving and two more touchdowns. In the playoffs, he is averaging just short of 150 yards per game and 6.7 yards per carry. He is the backbone of the Eagles’ offense, and if the team wants to win, he will need to have a big game. Standing in the way is a Chiefs defense that allowed just 3.2 yards per carry to running backs all season long. What will decide this game is whether or not Barkley can get loose for a few long runs like he has been doing all postseason long.
Predictions
While Barkley and the Eagles have had a magical run, it still feels like nobody can stop Patrick Mahomes. He has made the conference championship in every single year he has been in the NFL, and he now stands at the doorstep of NFL history. While I believe that this will be an incredibly close game, I think that the Chiefs defense led by mastermind Steve Spagnuolo does just enough to contain Barkley, Patrick Mahomes, and his favorite target Travis Kelce once again dominate on the biggest stage, and the Chiefs accomplish something never yet done before.
Prediction: Kansas City Chiefs 24, Philadelphia Eagles 20
