3 Key Matchups to Watch in Super Bowl 59
Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) during the first half in the AFC Championship game against the Buffalo Bills. Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
For the second time in three years, the Eagles are playing for a Super Bowl. We all know unfortunately how the last one went, and we all hope Super Bowl 59 will create a different result. The Chiefs are the best of the best, and to beat them the Eagles are going to have to play their A game.
To play their best they will have to get the better of some key matchups.
Travis Kelce vs. Eagles Linebackers and Cooper DeJean
While he has not been his usual self this season, Kelce is still a matchup nightmare. In Super Bowl 57 Kelce had 6 catches for 81 yards and a touchdown. He was their leading receiver in the game, and he is still their biggest threat in the passing game. He obviously has Super Bowl experience and in his Super Bowl career, he has 31 catches for 350 yards and two touchdowns. The Eagles struggled mightily with Zach Ertz in the conference championship game allowing him to record 104 yards. Some of that may have been game-plan by the Eagles to not let Terry McLaurin beat them. They were successful in doing so, but I know Andy Reid is licking his chops seeing what Ertz did to this defense last week knowing he has Kelce in his pocket.
How Vic Fangio will decide to cover Kelce will be very interesting. Kelce finished the regular season as the Chiefs leading receiver with 823 yards, the next closest was Xavier Worthy with 638 yards. Even though he is not the player he was a few years ago, Kelce is still by far their best offensive weapon, and will definitely be the main focus of the Eagles’ defense. With Nakobe Dean out for the season, I would not be surprised to see DeJean covering Kelce. We all know Fangio likes to play his “base set” most of the time, but when the team’s best receiver is a tight end it may force him to change. DeJean has completely transformed this Eagles defense since getting inserted into the starting lineup after the bye week, and I have confidence in him if he draws the Kelce assignment. The other option is to stick with what they have been doing and let the linebackers take Kelce. Zack Baun has been fantastic this year, and he would have to continue that great play against Kelce. If the Eagles can hold Kelce in check, they have a great chance to win this game.
Jalen Carter vs. Mike Caliendo
The Chiefs’ offensive line has been hit with the injury bug this season forcing some players to move positions. Left guard Joe Thuney has been moved to left tackle, which means that backup Caliendo was thrust into the starting role. Right tackle Jawaan Taylor has also been battling injuries this season, but he was a full participant in practice yesterday. With Thuney moving to the tackle spot, and Caliendo entering the starting lineup it could be a massive advantage for the Eagles. While Carter usually lines up over the right guard, I would be shocked if Fangio does not try and move Carter around and get him lined up over Caliendo. Obviously, Reid will give Caliendo help with their fantastic center Creed Humphrey, but that means that everyone else is one-on-one. If Carter is getting doubled Nolan Smith, Josh Sweat, Milton Williams, and Brandon Graham have to win their one-on-one matchups. The one time Patrick Mahomes lost a Super Bowl was because their offensive line was getting dominated and Mahomes was under constant pressure. We know how well Carter has played this season, and this postseason, and the Eagles need one more great game out of him.
DeVonta Smith vs. Chamarri Conner
Whether it is college or the NFL, Smith has played his best in the biggest moments. In just his 4th season in the NFL, he is already the Eagles’ all-time postseason receiving yards leader. Not only has Smith been a great postseason player, he has played very well against the Chiefs in his career. In three games against the Chiefs, Smith has 20 catches for 321 yards. Even though Smith is a great receiver, the Chiefs’ best cornerback Trent McDuffie will surely be matched up against A.J. Brown. While Smith will obviously play on the outside a lot, which would match him up against Jaylen Watson, Kellen Moore has to move Smith around to get matched up against Conner as much as he can. The Eagles run eleven personnel 81% of the time this year, which will force Conner on the field because the Eagles will have three receivers on the field 81% of the time. McDuffie and Watson are good players, but Conner is the obvious weak link. If the Eagles can move Smith around and get him one-on-one against Conner, he can have another huge game against the Chiefs.
Use PHILLYSPORTSREPORT for $20 off your first SeatGeek order
Click here to save 10% on any order at FOCO
Sam Heine
Sam has been with Philly Sports Reports since 2022. He is a contributor for both the Eagles and the 76ers. Sam is hoping to pursue a full-time job in sports in the future.
