In the face of a historic three-peat (three straight wins in the big game), the Kansas City Chiefs fell mightily short of the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl 59, with a final score of 40-22.
Just two years ago, in the 57th Super Bowl, the Eagles downed the Chiefs in a game that came down to the wire.
The score of that battle was 38-35, and ever since, the Eagles have sought the revenge that they finally achieved on Feb. 9 of the new year.
Unfortunately for Kansas City, the lopsided final score reflects the entire game. Kansas City was shut out for the entirety of the first half, while Philadelphia, led by Super Bowl MVP Jalen Hurts at Quarterback, cruised to an effortless victory.
While Kansas City managed to rally a little in the last two quarters, their ultimate deficit reflects just how dominant Philly was on the whole.
Perhaps the most revealing statistic in their defeat, aside from KC quarterback Patrick Mahomes throwing for two interceptions and losing one fumble, was the rushing yard deficit.
The Eagles ran for 135 yards, resulting in seven first downs. The Chiefs 49, and one first. That brutal discrepancy meant the Eagles’ defense could focus entirely on the Chiefs’ passing game, which also fell apart under the heightened scrutiny of one of the best defenses in the league.
The Eagles’ success on the ground can be greatly credited to Saquon Barkley, their star running back who, among many differences, headlines the team’s improvements since their last bout with Kansas City in the big game.
Barkley was added over the offseason and put in one of the best seasons the league has ever seen from a running back. He proved to be the x-factor for the Birds to finally dethrone a Chiefs unit that had looked invincible to that point.
Going forward, Philadelphia will continue to be a threat to get back to the biggest stage in football. They’re young, athletic and modern, and seem to have mastered an offense built on mobility and cutting-edge concepts. Though Kansas City will also stick around, so long as Patrick Mahomes and Head Coach Andy Reid remain in the front seat.
Two of the best teams in football under the brightest lights the game has to offer; the Super Bowl doesn’t get any better than this 59th iteration. What’s more, there’s a legitimate chance that SB60 could feature a “tiebreaker” between the two teams for another championship and, for fans, eternal bragging rights.
For now, Philly has the last laugh and the Lombardi Trophy. That’s an official wrap on the 2024-25’ NFL season.
Photo courtesy of David J. Phillip.
