It is virtually recreation time.
Tremendous Bowl LIX is that this Sunday (6:30 p.m. ET, Fox) on the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans.
The Chiefs (15-2) could make historical past by turning into the primary workforce to win three consecutive Tremendous Bowls, whereas the Eagles (14-3) are searching for their second Tremendous Bowl in seven years, final successful in February 2018.
Earlier than the large recreation, we preview 4 keys when the Chiefs and Eagles are on offense.
When Chiefs are on offense
Does Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes have sufficient magic? | In a story of the tape, the Eagles have the benefit at most place teams. Quarterback isn’t one among them.
Philadelphia has appeared like the higher workforce this season, however Kansas Metropolis has the last word ace with Mahomes. The three-time Tremendous Bowl MVP has gained 9 consecutive playoff video games, and solely retired quarterback Tom Brady, who will name Sunday’s recreation for Fox, and Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow have crushed him within the postseason.
For the Eagles to forestall him from performing one other magic act, their entrance should preserve him from getting outdoors of the pocket. The Chiefs’ offense hasn’t been as potent when Mahomes improvises as in earlier years, however it could nonetheless be unwise for the Eagles to permit Mahomes to show the Superdome into his private playground.
Chiefs tight finish Travis Kelce goals for Tremendous Bowl historical past | Coming into Sunday’s recreation, Kelce (31 receptions) trails Jerry Rice (33) for probably the most receptions in Tremendous Bowl historical past. It’s going to seemingly solely be a matter of time earlier than Kelce jumps to No. 1, however Philadelphia will not make it simple.
In response to Pro Football Reference, the Eagles’ protection was the league’s finest in opposition to tight ends throughout the common season, permitting 68 receptions, 591 yards and 5 touchdowns.
Nonetheless, Kelce is the very best tight finish they’ve performed this season. He should win his one-on-one matchups with linebackers when he will get them. Per NFL Subsequent Gen Stats, he has an NFL-high 3,927 receiving yards since 2016 when guarded by a linebacker since 2016.
Eagles linebackers Zack Baun, Oren Burks and Jeremiah Trotter Jr. are all adept at protection, making that arguably the Tremendous Bowl’s most vital matchup.
