Three Keys to the Super Bowl

Mixed emotions as we approach the last football game of the season.

Excited? For sure. It’s the Super Bowl.

But at the same time, bummed that we’re about to enter the long offseason before we see college and NFL games again in September.

Now, full disclosure—I don’t care who wins this game.

If I had to make a prediction, it would just be a guess.

But what I do know is that this is a great matchup, and I’m looking forward to watching how it plays out.

There are three things I’ll be watching closely in this game, and the first one is something that could define the night…

Can the Chiefs Contain Saquon?

Can Steve Spagnuolo and this Chiefs defense do what no one else has been able to do this season—contain Saquon Barkley?

We’ve seen Saquon torch all kinds of defenses this year.

Whether it’s inside zone, outside zone, gap schemes, or even just check-downs in the passing game, OC Kellen Moore has done a great job getting him the ball in space.

If you’re Kansas City, that’s the number one thing that has to keep you up at night.

Because if you let Saquon control the game—if you let Philadelphia stay ahead of the chains, stay balanced, and dictate terms—it’s going to be a long night.

Spags VS Saquon

Chiefs DC, Steve Spagnuolo has been in a lot of big games, and one thing we know about him is that he’s going to have a plan.

He’s aggressive. He’s creative.

And he’s not afraid to throw the kitchen sink at an offense to create chaos.

But this is where it gets tricky—Philly knows that. Kellen Moore knows that. They understand Spags is going to dial up pressure.

So how does Kansas City manage it? Can they disguise looks, mix in pressures at the right time, and stack the box without exposing themselves in coverage?

And just as importantly—can they tackle?

Because scheming to stop Barkley is one thing. Actually getting him on the ground is another.

Force Jalen To Play A Different Game

If Kansas City can keep Barkley in check, force Philly into second-and-long and third-and-long situations, and take away those easy one-on-one mismatches, it changes everything.

It forces Jalen Hurts to play a different kind of game.

It puts the pressure back on Philly’s passing attack to win on obvious passing downs.

But if Barkley goes off—if he gets loose for 100-plus yards and a couple of touchdowns—Philly’s offense is going to be in complete control.

It’s a chess match. And for me, that’s one of the biggest things to watch Sunday night.

When Will Travis Kelce Do Something Special?

The second thing I’m looking for in this game is when—not if—Travis Kelce is going to have his moment.

Now, I don’t think this is going to be one of those monster Kelce games.

I’m not expecting 10 catches for 120 yards and two touchdowns.

In fact, I think Philly is going to do everything in their power to limit his production.

If I had to guess, I’d say he finishes with something like four catches for 45 yards and a touchdown.

And yet, I’d be shocked if we got through this game without him making one or two—or maybe three—huge plays that end up being the difference.

He’s A Closer

The thing about Kelce isn’t just that he’s great. It’s when he’s great. He’s a closer.

He’s a guy who makes the play when the Chiefs have to have it.

A big third-down conversion late in the game? A crucial catch to get Kansas City into field goal range?

He’s been doing that for years.

So even if the Eagles keep him quiet most of the night, it only takes one moment.

One crucial play where he and Mahomes see the same thing, adjust mid-route, and make a backbreaking connection. And that’s what I’ll be watching for.

I expect Philly to be physical at the line of scrimmage. I expect them to double him in key situations.

And I wouldn’t be surprised if they have a specific plan to force Mahomes to look elsewhere on third downs and in the red zone.

But the reality is, great players usually find a way.

The Other Possibility

And then there’s this: What if this is Kelce’s last game?

He hasn’t said he’s retiring. But we all know it’s at least possible.

He’s accomplished everything. He’s got multiple rings. He’s a first-ballot Hall of Famer.

If this is the last one, you know he’s going to empty the tank.

And if Kansas City is in a gotta-have-it situation late in the game, Mahomes is going to look his way.

That’s why, even if the box score doesn’t show a dominant night, I expect we’ll look back after the game and say, yeah, there’s the Kelce moment.

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Can Kansas City Handle Philly’s Pass Rush?

The last thing I’m watching for on Super Bowl Sunday is whether Kansas City can actually block Philadelphia’s defensive front.

Because if they can’t, it’s going to be a long night for Patrick Mahomes.

I know all the talk this week is about the big names—Saquon Barkley, Jalen Hurts, A.J. Brown, Travis Kelce.

That’s where most fans’ attention goes.

But I don’t think people fully grasp just how good this Eagles defensive front is.

I don’t care how talented Mahomes is or how well Andy Reid schemes it up—Philly’s front is better than whatever Kansas City throws at them.

The Question Is Simple

So the question is simple: Can the Chiefs hold up long enough for Mahomes to do what he does?

It’s not just about sacks. It’s about pressure.

It’s about forcing Mahomes off his spot, making him play backyard football every snap instead of just when things break down.

Jalen Carter, Nolan Smith, Josh Sweat—these guys are going to be coming, and if Kansas City doesn’t have a plan, it’s going to be a problem.

We know Mahomes can make magic happen under pressure, but even he needs time occasionally to step up and deliver a shot downfield.

If the Chiefs can block just well enough to let him do that a few times, they’ve got a real shot.

If they can’t, then we’re looking at a different game.

Then What??

So let’s say Philly’s pass rush does dominate—then what?

The Chiefs might have to win this game with screens, quick throws, and the run game.

That’s not really how Mahomes is wired, but Andy Reid and Joe Thuney have been around long enough to know when to adjust.

Pacheco is going to be huge in this one.

If the Chiefs can use the run game and short passing game to slow down the rush, that’s their best shot at neutralizing Philly’s biggest strength.

But if Mahomes is back there taking seven-step drops, sitting at eight or nine yards deep, waiting for deep routes to develop? Forget about it.

The Eagles will be living in the backfield.

Bonus: Howie Roseman, the Best GM in Football

One last thing I want to touch on—Howie Roseman deserves his flowers.

I think he’s the best GM in the league right now. Look at what he’s done in Philly:

• Drafted Jalen Hurts in the second round when no one expected it.

• Stole Saquon Barkley from a division rival.

• Landed Jalen Carter in the draft when other teams passed.

• Completely rebuilt this defense with nine new starters since their last Super Bowl appearance.

He’s a master at finding value, flipping picks, and making the right call when it matters.

And this Eagles team isn’t just built to compete now—it’s built to sustain success.

So, yeah, this team isn’t just playing for a ring; they’re playing to validate the front office’s vision.

And if they win, I think Roseman solidifies himself as the guy when it comes to building a roster in the modern NFL.

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