The Kansas City Chiefs, led by Patrick Mahomes, had solidified their place as an NFL dynasty. With five Super Bowl appearances in six years and an impressive 90 regular-season wins since Mahomes took over as quarterback in 2018, they entered the Super Bowl in New Orleans with their sights set on history. As 1.5-point favorites, the Chiefs were on the verge of making history with the first-ever Super Bowl three-peat. But in a dramatic turn of events, their hopes were crushed in a dominant display by the Philadelphia Eagles, who claimed their second Super Bowl title with a commanding 40-22 victory.
A Shocking Turn of Events
The Eagles had fallen just short against the Chiefs in the previous Super Bowl, but this time, they were determined to make their mark. Philadelphia’s quarterback, Jalen Hurts, delivered an MVP-caliber performance, guiding the offense with precision and poise. His leadership was matched by the Eagles' defense, which completely stifled Mahomes and the Chiefs' potent offense. By the time the Chiefs managed to score two late touchdowns in garbage time, the game was already a blowout, with the Eagles leading 40-6—a margin that would have ranked among the worst defeats in Super Bowl history.
Saquon Barkley, the Eagles' running back, summed up the team’s excitement, reflecting on the trophy they had worked so hard for. "It’s better in person than it is in Madden, I’ll tell you that," Barkley said, proudly holding the Lombardi Trophy after the game. "It’s everything you dream of."
A Dominant Performance
Kansas City, coming off a 15-2 regular season and with one of the most successful runs in NFL history, had hoped to continue their legacy. Mahomes had led a remarkable Super Bowl comeback just a year earlier, and his ability to thrive in high-pressure situations had made him a favorite to win again. But this time, Philadelphia was ready for him.
The Eagles took control early, scoring a touchdown on their second possession using the now-infamous "tush push"—a quarterback plunge that the Eagles had perfected. The Chiefs' defense seemed overwhelmed, and despite a dazzling interception by safety Bryan Cook early in the second quarter, the Chiefs' momentum fizzled out. They managed to punt three times and threw two interceptions, one of which was returned for a touchdown by rookie cornerback Cooper DeJean. Meanwhile, the Eagles added a field goal and another touchdown pass to star wide receiver A.J. Brown, sending them into halftime with a commanding 24-0 lead.
By halftime, the Eagles had dominated nearly every aspect of the game, holding a nearly two-to-one advantage in time of possession. The Chiefs had only accumulated 23 yards across 20 plays, while the Eagles had piled up 179 offensive yards. The writing was on the wall: the Chiefs were in trouble.
Chiefs’ Rally Falls Short
Despite the large deficit, the Chiefs remained hopeful as the second half began. Defensive end Charles Omenihu stated that they felt they still had a chance to come back. After all, the Chiefs had been known for their ability to mount comebacks, including a memorable rally from a 20-10 deficit in the 2020 Super Bowl and a fourth-quarter surge in 2023. With Mahomes under center, anything seemed possible.
But Philadelphia’s defense, which had been the league's best in terms of both yards allowed and points, made sure the Chiefs' comeback dreams stayed just that—dreams. Mahomes, who had been under constant pressure all game, was sacked six times and lost a fumble early in the fourth quarter. Even All-Pro guard Joe Thuney, a mainstay on Kansas City's offensive line, struggled against Philadelphia’s fierce defensive front.
The Eagles' defense completely stifled the Chiefs, with Mahomes unable to find any rhythm. Wide receiver Xavier Worthy, who caught a 24-yard touchdown in the third quarter, was one of the few bright spots for the Chiefs. But with the score at 34-6 in the third quarter, the game was all but over.
Hurts Shines
While the Eagles' defense dominated, their offense also played a key role in the victory. Hurts threw for 221 yards and rushed for 72, accounting for three total touchdowns and adding one interception. Despite the dominant scoreline, the game was still a team effort. Barkley, who had broken multiple NFL records for rushing yards and yards from scrimmage during the season, was held to a modest 57 yards on 25 carries and added 40 yards through the air on six receptions. But with Hurts leading the charge, the Eagles’ offense never missed a beat.
Late in the game, Hurts was able to take a well-earned breather, as backup quarterback Kenny Pickett came in to run out the clock. The Eagles' dominance was so overwhelming that even with a few late touchdowns by the Chiefs, the result was never in doubt.
A Historic Victory
As the game wound down, Eagles fans continued to celebrate in the stands, chanting “MVP! MVP!” for their quarterback, Hurts, whose performance had earned him the honor. The Superdome, filled with more Eagles fans than Chiefs fans, erupted in cheers as the final whistle blew, securing Philadelphia's second Super Bowl title and their first since the 2017 season.
“I’ve been dreaming of this since I was a kid,” said DeJean, who played on his 22nd birthday and made his mark with a key interception. “Now it’s here, and now I get to wear a big old ring on my finger whenever we get it, hold that trophy—it’s amazing.”
With the win, the Eagles ended the Chiefs’ dynasty aspirations and proved they were the superior team on the biggest stage. The victory was not just a triumph for Philadelphia, but a reminder that in the NFL, dynasties can be dethroned in an instant, and new champions can rise from the ashes of the old. The Eagles are now a force to be reckoned with, and the Chiefs will need to regroup if they want another shot at the title next season.