Storylines heading into Super Bowl LIX
Super Bowl LIX is just three days away! On Sunday, February 9th, the Kansas City Chiefs will face off against the Philadelphia Eagles in New Orleans, LA, as they compete to take home the Lombardi Trophy.
Kansas City is making their third straight Super Bowl appearance as they hope to become the first team in NFL history to win three consecutive championships. They are led by quarterback Patrick Mahomes II and tight end Travis Kelce, both of whom are seeking their fourth Super Bowl ring in six years.
Philadelphia returns to the Super Bowl hoping to avenge their closing-minute loss to the Chiefs in Super Bowl LVII two years ago. The Eagles are also hoping to claim their second championship in franchise history, the first of which was won in 2018 against the New England Patriots. Led by an explosive run game anchored by Saquon Barkley and stout defense led by AP Defensive Player of the Year Finalist Zach Baun, the Eagles are primed for a showdown in the high-stakes game of the season.
Kansas City enters the game coming off a hard-fought victory against the Buffalo Bills in the AFC Championship. The Chiefs defense forced the Bills into multiple critical fourth downs, including the one that determined the game in the final two minutes. With the game on the line, Chiefs Defensive Coordinator Steve Spagnuolo dialed up a risky blitz that forced Bills QB Josh Allen to launch a hurried Hail Mary pass off his back foot, a pass that fell incomplete off of the hands of 2nd-year TE Dalton Kincaid. Many have criticized the officiating during the game, including on a critical fourth-down stop that gave Kansas City the chance to retake the lead in the 3rd Quarter.
The Eagles enter the Super Bowl after blowing out the Washington Commanders 55-23 in the NFC Championship Game. Scoring a whopping seven rushing touchdowns, a strong run game allowed Philadelphia to cruise their way to their second Super Bowl berth in three years. Since their last trip to the Super Bowl, they have completely revamped their defensive personnel: the 2024 roster has eight new starters compared to their team in 2022. Their defense has had an infusion of youth with defensive linemen Jordan Davis and Jalen Carter, as well as contributions from Philly’s most recent rookie class in cornerbacks Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean.
Look out for Kendrick Lamar at the Halftime Show, where he will be accompanied by R&B singer/songwriter SZA. Also look out for the referees in the vertically striped uniforms. Perhaps they will throw a flag or two (or many) in Kansas City’s favor.