While football experts predicted a close game in Super Bowl LIX, the Philadelphia Eagles defense ensured that it would be a one-sided affair. They played so well that they deserve to win the game’s Most Valuable Player award as a collective.
As Next Gen Stats revealed, the Eagles did not blitz during the Kansas City Chiefs’ 42 dropbacks and played zone coverage in all but two dropbacks. Despite this conservative defensive approach, Vic Fangio’s crew generated 25 pressures, 11 quarterback hits, six sacks, and three takeaways. Cooper DeJean, the Eagles’ rookie cornerback who celebrated his birthday in Super Bowl LIX, had a 38-yard pick-six that extended the Eagles lead 16-0.
Zack Baun led the team with seven tackles and had an interception before halftime. Likewise, Milton Williams sacked Patrick Mahomes while forcing a fumble.
Teams with No. 1 Scoring and Total Defense* to Win Super Bowl since 2000
— NFL on CBS (@NFLonCBS) February 10, 2025
2024 Eagles
2013 Seahawks
2002 Bucs
*incl. postseason pic.twitter.com/0c57jC3Z40
The tenacity of the Eagles' defense to 23 total yards and zero points in the first half. The Chiefs didn’t cross Eagles territory and put points on the board until the end of the third quarter. While the Chiefs finished with 22 points, most of those scores were consolation points.
The domination of the Eagles' defense has the rest of the NFL on notice. What’s scary is that they have young but elite players who could wreak havoc in the league for a long time.
-Lance Fernandez