By Lucas Vola — February 9, 2023 at 1:00 p.m.
Article updated on February 9, 2023 at 6:42 p.m.
While the ranged clash between Patrick Mahomes and Jalen Hurts will be key, other important areas could swing the game.
Kick-off in the night from Sunday to Monday at 00:30
Philadelphia Eagles (1) – Kansas City Chiefs (1)
Here we are ! THE Super Bowl, 57th of the name. This Sunday, the epilogue of this season is played in theArizona. Late at night we’ll know who of the Eagles or some Chiefs will win his second title in a few years. The last of Philadelphia dates back to 2017. And in this period of retirement for Tom Brady, it resonates particularly. For Kansas CityIt was three years ago (only). A new ring for menAndy Reid would validate a dynasty with three Super Bowls and two rings in just 4 ans. On the other hand, a success of Eagles would open the doors to a potential period of dominance for Jalen Hurts and his.
Stay in shape
Precisely this quarterback duel between the thrower of Philadelphia et Patrick Mahomes will turn all eyes on this Sunday. The two men are the keystones of the offensive systems. On the one hand, Hurts is a real double threat. The former ofAlabama and Sooners d’Oklahoma has come of age and is proving he has the shoulders, legs and arms to attack at the highest level. Opposite, it has not been a question for a long time for Patrick Mahomes. Le probable double MVP of the league has for several years already been the most talented pitcher in NFL. Its qualities are out of the ordinary and the system ofAndy Reid allows him a perfect expression. Even diminished, it remains a threat at all times. But this meeting also opposes two complete teams around their launcher. And this game won’t just be a quarterback duel.
Like what is likely to happen on the lines. They say in football that “The game is won in the trenches”. A saying that often turns out to be true and this Super Bowl should be no exception to the rule. In this area, the Eagles go one step ahead. Their offensive line is probably the best in NFL this season. The 5 basic men (Lane Johnson – Isaac Seumalo – Jason Kelce – Landon Dickerson – Jordan Mailata) form an almost impassable wall, capable also (and especially) to open breaches in the ground game. It will take at least that to contain a Chris Jones who seems unstoppable since the start of these playoffs.
A crucial ability to adapt
On the other side of the ball too, the line of Philadelphia impressed. On the pass-rush in particular, the danger can come from anywhere. Javon Hargrave, Brandon Graham, Josh Sweat or Haason Reddick are all over 10 sacks this season. The latter is also a headache for the opposing coordinators. Often positioned at the ends of the line, it is a poison. Faced with this strike force, the Chiefs have a respondent. This offensive line is for example much better than two years ago. We remember that in the face of Buccaneersit had been one of the main reasons for the defeat of Kansas City au Super Bowl. Today, she is one of the strengths of this team and especially within it with one of the best trios in the league: Joe Thuney, Creed Humphrey et Trey Smith.
Beyond the lines, there are many areas through which this match could change. There is no point in detailing them all here, especially since we know that a Super Bowl only too rarely goes as planned. The adaptability of these two teams will therefore be crucial. Which of the two will be the most able to adapt their game plan during the match? To react to events, not always anticipated? For this, the distance confrontation between the two coaches will also be interesting to observe between a coach experienced in this kind of battles at high altitude who should remain on his principles (Andy Reid) and a new one at this level which brings a certain freshness (Nick Sirianni).
