In the days leading up to the Super Bowl LIX, almost all conversations revolved around the Kansas City Chiefs dynasty, the possibility of being the first team to win this event three times in a row, and Patrick Mahomes on his way to challenging Tom Brady’s reign as the winningest quarterback in history. But all those theories and narratives were shattered at the Super Dome in New Orleans by the Philadelphia Eagles.
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There simply was no match, the Eagles' dominance was absolute, they led Mahomes to play his worst game in an NFL postseason and won 40-22, with 16 of those points scored by Kansas City in the last three minutes, when the game was already decided.
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How did the Eagles' victory over the Chiefs come about?
An old saying in the NFL goes that "offenses and quarterbacks sell tickets and defenses win championships", and on the night of Sunday, February 9, this was once again confirmed on the artificial turf of the Superdome.
The Eagles' defense, led by veteran offensive coordinator Vic Fangio, held the Chiefs to just 23 yards and only one first down in the first half, something unthinkable considering Mahomes, Travis Kelce, and the offensive genius of coach Andy Reid.
All of that was topped off with a 38-yard interception return for a touchdown by rookie Cooper DeJean in the second quarter.
With a strong performance in the trenches thanks to the protection line, the Eagles' offense contributed 17 points to take the lead 24-0 at halftime.
In the second half, there was no reaction from Kansas City and with three minutes to play in the third quarter, the Philadelphia team closed the game with a long 46-yard pass from Jalen Hurts to DeVonta Smith, leaving the score at 34-0.
Who was the MVP of the game?
Although it is a repeated and overused phrase in the sports world, the true standout of the Eagles led by coach Nick Sirianni to win the Super Bowl was the team, with a formidable level of the defensive line, a secondary that didn't give an inch to the Chiefs' receivers, and a balanced offensive game with 210 yards through passes and 135 yards through rushes.
In any case, the MVP of Super Bowl LIX went to quarterback Jalen Hurts, who threw for 221 yards, ran for another 72, and scored three touchdowns, two through the air and one with the famous "tush push" that the Eagles execute masterfully.
The Philadelphia team did not need a great performance from Saquon Barkley, the season's standout player, who had modest numbers with 57 yards on 25 carries, but once again showed his generosity by putting himself at the service of the team's needs and won his first Super Bowl on his birthday.