The Case for the Eagles to Win Super Bowl LVII (2023)
For the first time since 2017, the two top overall seeds from each respective conference will meet in the Super Bowl, setting the stage for what should be an extremely competitive championship game.
The Eagles won that 2017 Super Bowl by defeating the Patriots, and I will outline why they will win (and cover) against the Chiefs on Sunday night in Super Bowl LVII.
- NFL 2022-2023 Season Record: 72-61-4
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The Case for the Eagles to Win Super Bowl LVII (2023)
Games Are Won In the Trenches
Let’s start up front, where the Eagles boast PFF’s top-graded offensive line. Bolstered by 2022 First Team All-Pro selections in C Jason Kelce and T Lane Johnson, Philadelphia’s offensive line spearheaded a diverse rushing attack that ranked No. 1 in the league in rushing touchdowns and fifth overall in rushing yards.
Regarding the defensive line, the Eagles recorded a franchise record of 70 sacks in 2022, the third-highest mark in NFL history and the most since the 1989 Vikings. Between Haason Reddick (16 sacks), Josh Sweat (11 sacks), Brandon Graham (11 sacks), Javon Hargrave (11 sacks) and Fletcher Cox (seven sacks), the Eagles have more than enough defensive firepower to put pressure on Patrick Mahomes and his ankle that we saw him struggling with on multiple occasions during the AFC Championship.
Though Kansas City has decent units on the offensive and defensive lines, the Eagles unquestionably have the advantage at the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball.
Eagles Rule the Air
Not only does Philly have the advantage with their lineman, but they also have the better overall pass-catching unit and defensive backfield. Second-Team All-Pro WR A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith combined for over 2,500 receiving yards and 18 receiving TDs on the year, leading the Eagles to the fourth-ranked offense in terms of passing YPA and the 3rd-overall scoring offense in the league. Not to mention, tight end Dallas Goedert returned from his midseason injury looking like his usual self and will be the ultimate security blanket for Jalen Hurts over the middle.
Philadelphia should be able to establish their ground game early, setting up their ultra-efficient play-action passing game to take advantage of a Chiefs defense that surrendered the most passing touchdowns in the NFL this season.
Meanwhile, the Eagles defensive secondary led them to the league’s top passing defense in terms of YPA. S C.J. Gardner Johnson tied for the league lead in INTs with six this year, and CBs Darius Slay and James Bradberry were able to reel in three apiece, proving to be ready for any wayward passes Mahomes might throw their way on Sunday.
With the injuries that have piled up at the receiver position for the Chiefs and one of the most inexperienced defensive backfields in the NFL, it’s tough to argue that the Eagles don’t also have the advantage on the outside, on both sides of the ball.
Hurts So Good
Though I will concede that the Chiefs have the advantage at the QB position, having the Second-Team All-Pro and likely MVP runner-up in Hurts isn’t too bad of a concession for Philly. Hurts has been absolutely phenomenal this season, and like Mahomes, he also gets the benefit of an extra week to get his shoulder as close to 100% as possible.
He threw for 3,700 yards and rushed for another 760 in 2022, accounting for 35 total TDs and only turning the ball over a total of eight times. I expect Hurts to play a massive role in the rushing attack, as there’s no “saving his body for the rest of the season†– this is it. If he makes the right reads and decisions in the run game, which he has executed to near perfection so far, the entire offensive playbook will open up to take advantage of the Chiefs over the top with the aforementioned pass-catching weapons.
Also, don’t overlook the fact that the Eagles have been able to use Hurts and their QB sneak technique to pick up short-yardage conversions whenever and wherever they need to – an area that the Chiefs offense has mightily struggled at this year.
Final Prediction: Eagles 28 – Chiefs 24
Outside of the QB position, I believe that the Eagles have the advantage at every single positional unit on the field. Their defensive line should be able to frustrate Mahomes throughout the game, and I anticipate this pressure leading to at least a few errant passes that their advantageous secondary will have the opportunity to take advantage of.
I foresee the Eagles’ offensive line setting the tone with their dynamic and multi-faceted rushing attack, creating opportunities in the passing game with their playmakers downfield. I think both sides will be able to put up points. However, in the end, I believe the Eagles will bring another Lombardi Trophy home to the City of Brotherly Love.
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