From the opening kickoff in the Super Bowl, it was clear that the Kansas City Chiefs were also against problems that had been mounting for months. The fatigue of sustained success had caught up with them, making them a team that was easy to root against.
Having dominated the league for years, they found themselves with a fatigued and polarized fanbase, similar to the peak of the New England Patriots dynasty under Bill Belichick. This led to an environment where many were eager to see them fall.
The offensive struggles that had plagued Kansas City all year were impossible to ignore in the biggest game of the season. Patrick Mahomes‘ ability to attack vertically, once a defining feature of the Chiefs‘ offense, was nonexistent throughout the year, making the unit predictable and easier to defend.
Without the threat of explosive plays, defenses could sit back in coverage and force Mahomes into checkdowns and difficult throws.
Even the officiating debate seemed to play into the Chiefs‘ struggles. Throughout the season, speculation swirled that Kansas City had been favored by referees, although the reality was simply that NFL officiating remains inconsistent league-wide. Still, that perception created an additional layer of scrutiny.
Compounding their issues was the hostile environment inside the Superdome, where Eagles fans outnumbered Chiefs fans by an overwhelming margin.
With virtually no home-field advantage, Kansas City found itself playing what felt like a true road game. But above all, they faced a more talented opponent, as the Eagles boasted superior depth and skill at nearly every position.
Vic Fangio’s defensive game plan stifled Mahomes
A major factor in Kansas City’s downfall was the masterful defensive game plan devised by Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio. From the start, Fangio constructed a scheme that took away Mahomes‘ options and exposed the Chiefs‘ offensive limitations.
Without a deep passing game to worry about, the Eagles deployed seven defenders in coverage on every play, making it nearly impossible for Mahomes to find open passing lanes. They did this without ever having to blitz, yet still sacked Mahomes six times and hit him 11 times, revealing major flaws in the Chiefs‘ offensive line.
By halftime, Mahomes had endured one of the worst statistical halves of his career, completing just six passes for 33 yards, two interceptions, and a passer rating of 10.7.
Though he managed a few late-game highlights, they came in garbage time when the Eagles had already secured the victory.
Read the full article here
