It was, without question, a one-sided affair: The Eagles overwhelmingly defeated the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX, taking a 24-0 halftime lead, extending it to a 34-point lead, and finally emerging with a 40-22 victory and a confetti bath at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans on February 9.
Seven months later, what can the Eagles take from that game that means anything on Sunday when the teams meet in Week 2 of this regular season at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium?
"We know they've changed and there are things that we've changed, too," wide receiver A.J. Brown said. "I think there is a familiarity because we've played them a lot (four times since 2021, including two Super Bowls), but every game is unique. Every game presents its own differences, so that is always something to think about."
On that glorious day in February, the Eagles' defense registered six quarterback sacks and three takeaways, including a Cooper DeJean interception that he returned for a touchdown. They didn't blitz a single time, instead winning with a four- and five-man front that defeated Kansas City in the trenches. Kansas City quarterback Patrick Mahomes was suffocated as the Eagles limited his ability to get out of the pocket, collapsed his in-pocket maneuverability, and dominated the Chiefs in every way.
This time around? There are a handful of new Eagles starters at all three levels of the defense – Jalyx Hunt and Nolan Smith Jr. on the edges, Moro Ojomo at tackle, Jihaad Campbell at linebacker, Adoree' Jackson at cornerback, and Andrew Mukuba at safety. Philadelphia is still learning about itself on defense.
What will coordinator Vic Fangio dial up on Sunday?
"I think there are a lot of things we can take from that game," said linebacker Zack Baun, who had an interception in the Super Bowl. "We know Patrick Mahomes is an elite quarterback and his ability to extend plays with his legs is something that makes him so special, among other things. He can do it all.
"We know how we played in the Super Bowl, and we know we can come back with that approach and try to win that way or we can try to do things differently. I think we know their personnel and kind of the things they like to do, so that's all part of it. It's going to be a fun matchup."
Kansas City's defense is led by coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, so the Eagles have to prepare for the pressure packages and exotic looks he will have in place. Kansas City focused its defensive attention on loading the box against running back Saquon Barkley in the Super Bowl, opening up quarterback Jalen Hurts and the passing game for down-the-field opportunities. He took advantage, completing five passes of 20-plus yards.
Will those passing lanes be there again?
"If they're there, we have to make plays. That's what it comes down to," Brown said.
Other than personnel changes – mostly on the defensive side of the ball – the Eagles play in Kansas City a similar team to the 2024 World Champions, but they have a lot of confidence knowing what it takes to win it all.
The Eagles under Nick Sirianni have been tremendous road warriors – they have won five of their last six road games and are 24-10 on the road under Sirianni – and they play a team that went undefeated at home a season ago.
But guess what? It's a new year and new teams and, well, anything goes on Sunday at 4:25 PM when the teams kick off.
"You always want to play the best of the best and they are the best and Patrick Mahomes is a great quarterback and they have a top offensive line, so this is why we're here," defensive tackle Jordan Davis said. "We know them, they know us, and the team that plays the best on Sunday is going to win the game. But, for sure, we're going in with a lot of confidence, a lot of excitement, and we have to prepare for everything."
