On Feb. 9, the NFL hosted Superbowl 59 at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. AFC Champions the Kansas City Chiefs and NFC Champions the Philadelphia Eagles went head to head for the annual league championship.
This game was huge for both teams. Other than it being a battle for the biggest football title in the world, these two particular teams had personal, historic goals of their own.
The Kansas City Chiefs were battling for their first “3-peat,” or three Super Bowls won in a row, something that has never been done before in the Super Bowl era. Beating the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl 57 and the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl 58, they needed to defeat the Eagles once again.
For the Philadelphia Eagles, they had two substantial reasons to defeat the Kansas City Chiefs. One, of course, would be to win their second Super Bowl in franchise history. Another would be to stop Kansas City from 3-peating.
Similarly in Super Bowl 52, Philadelphia beat the New England Patriots to prevent the first ever 3-peat and win their franchise’s first Super Bowl.
Many fans online proclaimed the Eagles would do it again, but to the Chiefs this time, while others had faith in the Chiefs. When asked about who they wanted to win, freshman Timothy Lykowski and senior Samantha Ricken said, “Eagles.” On the other hand, Varsity Baseball Coach Mark Madden said, “Chiefs.”
The game began with Eagle ball. On both teams’ first drives, both were forced to punt. The Eagles looked like they were going to score, but an offensive pass interference call on Wide Receiver A.J. Brown called the ball back. It was then the Chief’s ball, but it didn’t go far, as the Chiefs struggled to advance.
Despite near no progression in their first drive, the Eagles made it to the endzone on their second drive through their signature play, “Tush-Push.” This play involves the offensive line making way for their quarterback, who has possession of the ball, as he lunges forward with the help of two players behind him.
The first quarter ended with no other scores from either team, but on the last drive, Chief’s Safety Bryan Cook intercepted a pass by Hurts.
Following the first possession, the Eagles were forced to kick a 48 yard field goal, which Kicker Jake Elliott succeeded in, increasing their lead to 10-0. This is where the game goes downhill quickly for the Chiefs, on the first two plays of the drive, Mahomes was sacked twice putting them in a tough position at 3rd and 16.
On the next play, Mahomes attempted a pass, but it was intercepted by Eagles rookie cornerback Cooper DeJean. To top off his 22nd birthday, DeJean celebrated in style, returning the pick 38 yards for his first career touchdown. Both Madden and Lykowski told us it was the best play of the game.
By halftime, the Eagles had more points than the Chiefs had total yards. Philadelphia scored 24 points, while Kansas City had just 23 yards.
Madden expressed his disappointment, saying, “Unfortunately, nobody is perfect but the will to strive for perseverance and practice will pay off.” Ricken described his performance as, “Complete poop.”
After the slow first half, the Chiefs started the third quarter with the ball but just like the first half, Mahomes was sacked twice, and after failing to get the first down the Chiefs were forced to punt. After the punt, Philadelphia had a 12 play, 69 yard drive and ended it with a 29 yard field goal by Elliot.
The Chiefs’ next drive fell short after five plays when they could convert on a fourth and four situation. Following their fourth-down stop, Hurts opened and closed Philadelphia’s next drive on the first play completing a 46 yard touchdown pass to DeVonta Smith. Mahomes ended the quarter with a pass to Xavier Worthy for their first touchdown of the game.
Beginning the 4th quarter with a score of 34-6, the Chiefs made an attempt to come back into the game, but it was no match against the Eagles. Elliot put up two more field goals for 6 points and Mahomes threw two touchdown passes to DeAndre Hopkins and Worthy.
In the end, Philadelphia, and especially their defense, dominated this game, with a final score of 40-22.
“I thought it was not as good as it should’ve been,” Ricken explained. “It wasn’t as competitive as it should’ve been either. It should’ve been closer.” Similarly Lykowski said, “I thought it was pretty boring and a one-sided game.”
“I would’ve liked to have seen Saquon Barkey win MVP,” said Madden. Barkley was titled “Offensive Player of the Year” and was a key in the Eagles’ success this season. “I was grateful for Barkley and the Eagles coming out, and I believe that it brought back the aura and notification of how important running backs are in the game.”
