NEW ORLEANS (AP) — In a stunning display, the Philadelphia Eagles showcased a dominant performance against the Kansas City Chiefs, defeating them 40-22 to secure their second Super Bowl championship. The Eagles' defense was particularly ferocious, effectively neutralizing Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes while their own quarterback, Jalen Hurts, delivered a stellar offensive performance. This defeat marks the end of the Chiefs' quest for an unprecedented three-peat in the Super Bowl era.
Cooper DeJean made history by achieving a pick-six on his 22nd birthday, and defensive end Josh Sweat consistently pressured Mahomes throughout the game. Hurts earned Super Bowl MVP honors, throwing for two touchdowns and adding another score on a "tush push." The Eagles' defense was so effective that they limited running back Saquon Barkley's contributions; he finished with only 57 rushing yards. Hurts completed the game with 221 passing yards.
Reflecting on the game, Mahomes acknowledged his subpar performance, stating, "Just didn’t play to my standard, and I have to be better next time." The Eagles built an impressive 24-0 lead by halftime, showcasing their dominance on both sides of the ball. Coach Nick Sirianni emphasized the team's collective effort by saying, "This is the ultimate team game. You can’t be great without the greatness of others. Great performance by everybody — offense, defense, special teams." He noted their focus on winning despite external opinions.
The atmosphere in New Orleans was electric, especially with Donald Trump in attendance, marking the first time a sitting president attended a Super Bowl. Philadelphia fans rejoiced with every score, echoing "Fly! Eagles! Fly!" throughout the stadium. Not even the presence of pop superstar Taylor Swift, who was in a suite to support boyfriend Travis Kelce, could turn the tide for Kansas City, as they suffered their first loss in ten games this season with Swift present.
Mahomes faced a relentless Eagles defense that sacked him six times — a career high for the Chiefs quarterback. The Eagles' defensive strategy was particularly impressive, as they executed without calling a single blitz. Hurts praised the defense, stating, "Defense wins championships... They gave us opportunities, gave us short fields." Barkley, named the 2024 AP NFL Offensive Player of the Year, struggled early in the game, garnering just 31 rushing yards in the first half.
The Chiefs aimed to join historical ranks as only the third NFL team to win three straight championships, but their aspirations were thwarted by an Eagles team that appeared ready for victory. Hurts previously led the Eagles against the Chiefs in Super Bowl LVII, where Mahomes staged a comeback. This time, however, the revamped Philly defense made it clear that Mahomes would not be able to repeat that magic.
Head coach Andy Reid acknowledged the team's poor performance, saying, "Today was a rough day all around. Nothing went right. I didn’t coach well. Proud of our guys for fighting. We will learn from this." Errors plagued the Chiefs' game, with excessive turnovers and penalties contributing to their downfall against a highly skilled opponent. The Eagles’ Sirianni celebrated his first Super Bowl victory, silencing critics who previously questioned his coaching skills.
In terms of gameplay, Hurts kicked off the scoring by pushing into the end zone from the 1-yard line. The Eagles quickly built their lead, with Hurts tossing a touchdown pass to A.J. Brown and later connecting with DeVonta Smith for a stunning 46-yard touchdown. The team consistently created opportunities, capitalizing on Chiefs' mistakes and taking advantage of penalties imposed on Kansas City.
In contrast, the Chiefs struggled to mount any sustained offense. Mahomes threw for two late touchdowns, including a pass to DeAndre Hopkins, but these efforts were too little, too late. The Eagles' defense shut down the Chiefs effectively, marking a significant turning point in the franchise's history. They became the first team since the Green Bay Packers to secure multiple championships consecutively, emphasizing their strength in the league.
