The Philadelphia Eagles are coming into Super Bowl LVII as slim 1.5 points favorites over the Kansas City Chiefs. Despite how dominant the Eagles have been this season, they are still going to have to play at their best to beat the Chiefs. Kansas City has more Super Bowl experience, and quarterback Patrick Mahomes is more than capable of taking over a game. There are three players in particular that need to step up on the NFL’s biggest stage, or the Eagles could be in some real trouble.
Dallas Goedert
An big game from Dallas Goedert could solidify a win for the Philadelphia Eagles. Up to this point, the Eagles still have not lost a game in which Goedert and quarterback Jalen Hurts have started and finished a game together. There is a strong correlation between tight ends having big games and their team winning the game as well. With Travis Kelce matched up as the opposing tight end, it will be a very uphill battle just for Goedert to keep pace, however ,if he can find a way to outperform Kelce, there is a strong chance that the Eagles become Super Bowl champions.
C.J. Gardner-Johnson
C.J. Gardner-Johnson has been one of the best defensive players in the league this season. With Kansas City having an incredible passing attack, he will be put to the test. Gardner-Johnson tied for first in the NFL this season in interpceptions. He led the way to Philadelphia being tied for 4th place for most team interceptions. If he is able to force Mahomes into an interception or two, it could swing the game in Philadelphia’s favor. If the Chiefs struggle moving the ball through the air, there is very little they will be able to do to keep themselves in the game. Up to this point in the postseason, the Eagles have only given up 96.0 yards per game through the air.
Jalen Hurts
The final and most important x-factor for the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LVII is their quarterback Jalen Hurts. Coming into the season, many did not know what to expect from Hurts. The team made a huge acquisition in A.J. Brown and many expected this to be a big year for Hurts. However, no one could have expected just how much Hurts had improved. This season, he is 14-1 as a starter, and if it were not for his late season injury, he likely would be the frontrunner for the MVP. He has quickly ascended to being the best dual threat and arguably the most dangerous quarterback in all of football. As long as he does not get lost in the moment, this should be a career defining game for the young quarterback, and that could end up being what it takes to get the job done. Every possession will likely matter in this matchup. It will be very crucial that he takes care of the ball and does not get carried away on any rushing attempts. If Hurts continues the dominant tear he has been on, this could be one of the foundational games to his early legacy.
