Biggest Super Bowl Matchup Questions for the Chiefs: Can They Stop the Tush Push?
As the Kansas City Chiefs prepare to face the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LIX, the stakes couldn’t be higher. The Chiefs are on the brink of making history, aiming to become the first team in the Super Bowl era to win three consecutive championships. Standing in their way are the formidable Eagles, who are determined to thwart Kansas City’s quest for a historic three-peat.
The Chiefs have had an impressive season, finishing with a 15-2 record, which tied them for the best in the NFL alongside the Detroit Lions. However, their journey hasn’t been without its challenges. Despite their strong record, the Chiefs have often found themselves in tight games, with 11 of their wins coming by just one score. Their point margin per game ranked 11th in the league at 3.47, which might not seem dominant, but it was enough to secure their ninth consecutive AFC West championship, the AFC’s top playoff seed, and the conference’s only first-round postseason bye.
Playing at their home ground, Arrowhead Stadium, the Chiefs managed to defeat the Houston Texans 23-14 in the divisional round and then edged out the Buffalo Bills 32-29 in the AFC Championship Game. The victory over the Bills marked the Chiefs’ 17th consecutive win in games decided by one score, setting an NFL record that dates back to 2023.
As we look ahead to the Super Bowl, several key questions arise about the Chiefs’ ability to handle the Eagles’ unique challenges. Let’s dive into some of the most pressing issues facing Kansas City as they prepare for the big game.
How Well Can the Chiefs Defend the Eagles’ Tush Push?
The Chiefs’ defense will be put to the test against the Eagles’ notorious “tush push” play. In the AFC Championship Game against the Bills, Kansas City showed promise in defending this play, stopping it four out of six times. One crucial stop came on a fourth down at the Kansas City 41-yard line, which set up a go-ahead touchdown for the Chiefs. Defensive tackle Chris Jones emphasized the importance of a dominant defensive line, stating, “Your two [nose guards] and your two ends have to be physical on the inside.”
However, the Chiefs have struggled against Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts in the past. Hurts used the tush push to score two touchdowns against Kansas City in Super Bowl LVII and again in a regular-season game last year. The Chiefs will need to find a way to contain Hurts and prevent him from exploiting this play.
How Does Eagles Running Back Saquon Barkley Change the Game Plan for Chiefs Defensive Coordinator Steve Spagnuolo?
Saquon Barkley presents a unique challenge for the Chiefs’ defense. To counter his impact, defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo may need to adjust his strategy by adding an extra defender to the front. This could involve reducing the split-safety shells the Chiefs typically use and employing more man-free coverage and three-deep zone coverage to add a cut-off defender near the line of scrimmage.
Winning the edges will be crucial for the Chiefs to limit the Eagles’ run game. Philadelphia often uses pin/pull concepts to get Barkley on the perimeter, and Spagnuolo may need to position his defensive ends in a wide-9 or 7-technique to prevent the Eagles from executing these plays effectively.
What Is Different About This Chiefs Team Compared to the Past Two Super Bowl Teams?
This year’s Chiefs team bears a closer resemblance to the 2023 squad than the explosive offensive powerhouse of previous years. In both 2023 and 2024, Kansas City ranked 15th in the league in scoring, averaging 21.8 and 22.65 points per game, respectively. This is a stark contrast to the 2022 Chiefs, who led the NFL in scoring with 29.2 points per game.
Defensively, the Chiefs have been strong, ranking second in scoring defense in 2023 and fourth in 2024. After a slow start to the season in terms of sacks, the Chiefs turned things around, recording 28 sacks in their final eight games, including two playoff matchups. They sacked Texans QB C.J. Stroud eight times in their divisional playoff win.
How Does the Chiefs’ Wideout Group Match Up Against the Eagles’ High-Quality Secondary?
The Chiefs’ wide receivers, including Xavier Worthy, DeAndre Hopkins, Hollywood Brown, and Juju Smith-Schuster, will face a tough challenge against the Eagles’ secondary. In their playoff win over the Texans, Hopkins, Brown, and Smith-Schuster were held without a catch, highlighting the need for improved performance against Philadelphia.
While the Chiefs may lack a high-end wide receiver like the Eagles’ A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith, they make up for it with depth. Worthy, the Chiefs’ first-round draft pick, has shown significant development and could become a key player in the future. Smith-Schuster delivered two of the Chiefs’ longest pass plays in their AFC Championship Game victory over the Bills, showcasing his ability to make plays after the catch.
How Will the Chiefs’ Offense Adjust to Attack the Eagles’ Defense?
The Chiefs’ offense is known for its precision and adaptability. In the divisional round, Travis Kelce had a standout performance, but against the Bills, he was limited to just two catches for 19 yards. Mahomes, however, showcased his versatility with two rushing touchdowns, a career first for him.
Against the Eagles, the Chiefs may look to exploit predictable man coverage in the low red zone, similar to their strategy in Super Bowl LVII. Backup linebacker Oren Burks and starting safety Reed Blankenship have been tested by opponents, and the Chiefs will likely target these areas. Mahomes’ ability to use his legs in the postseason will also be a crucial factor.
Could This Be Kelce’s Final Game?
While there’s speculation about Travis Kelce’s future, it’s unlikely that this will be his final game. Despite being 35 years old, Kelce remains incredibly productive, with 97 catches in 2024 marking his seventh consecutive season of 90 receptions or more. His chemistry with Mahomes is invaluable, and his presence on the field opens up opportunities for the Chiefs’ receiving corps.
Kelce is under contract for 2025 and stands to earn $17.25 million, making it difficult for him to walk away from both the financial reward and the chance at a potential four-peat. While an acting career may be in his future, Kelce’s focus remains on the game for now.
Originally Written by: Multiple contributors
