- The Chiefs ought to lean on 10-to-19-yard passes: Patrick Mahomes has been deadly on intermediate makes an attempt within the playoffs, and the Eagles have not been as efficient guarding that area.
- The Eagles have to restrict Kansas Metropolis’s third-down manufacturing: Philly’s elite stress charge on third down may assist get the Birds off the sphere.
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Estimated Studying Time: 9 minutes
Whereas the NFL world has been mired in scouting showcases and frenetic commerce requests, the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles have remained steadfast of their preparation for Tremendous Bowl 59. A two-week respite has provided either side ample time to arrange for the largest sport of the 2024 season — and arguably crucial sport of those gamers’ careers.
Each squads have adopted constant blueprints over the common season and postseason to achieve Caesars Superdome, which they may hope to duplicate on Sunday. Nonetheless, every may also have to verify off packing containers for this particular matchup so as to hoist the Lombardi Trophy.
Listed here are the important thing components that may decide whether or not the Chiefs or Eagles come out on prime in Tremendous Bowl 59.
Kansas Metropolis Chiefs
Maintain passing within the intermediate vary
When the postseason arrives, you possibly can rely on seeing essentially the most environment friendly and mistake-free model of Patrick Mahomes. That additionally tends to dovetail with the quarterback being pinpoint correct within the 10-to-19-yard vary, the place he’s turned issues up a notch in late January. Within the 2024 postseason, Mahomes has posted a 92.2 PFF passing grade on intermediate throws, up from an 80.7 passing grade within the common season. Extra broadly, during the last 4 postseasons, Mahomes ranks top-two amongst all quarterbacks in PFF passing grade (94.2), completions and passing yards within the intermediate space.
Whereas the Eagles protection has performed at a premium stage all yr, the crew has had some points in opposition to intermediate passes. Philly ranks 21st league-wide in EPA allowed per play, 16th in success charge and ninth in crew protection grade on makes an attempt between 10 and 19 yards downfield.
When you think about Mahomes’ reluctance to strive deep passes this yr — his 8.1% deep throw charge was the third-lowest amongst qualifiers — and the Eagles’ league-best 91.1 crew protection grade on 20-plus-yard makes an attempt, the method must be clear. The Chiefs’ greatest passing plan is to make the most of Travis Kelce, Marquise Brown and Xavier Worthy within the intermediate vary as an alternative of testing a no-fly zone on shot performs.
Restrict Saquon Barkley, particularly early
It’s no secret that stopping Barkley can be atop the Chiefs’ defensive sport plan. The issue is that nearly no one has been in a position to cease Saquon Barkley, even all through the postseason.
Nonetheless, Kansas Metropolis may have some options.
