On Sunday night, the Philadelphia Eagles lost to the Kansas City Chiefs by the final score of 38-35 in Super Bowl LVII. It was the Eagles’ third loss in Super Bowl history. The Eagles were the favorites coming into this game and many thought they were the better team.
However, the outcome of the game was a much different story. In the first half, it looked like the Eagles had the game under control. The offense, despite quarterback Jalen Hurts’s fumble that resulted in a touchdown, did a good job. The Eagles had a 24-14 lead heading into halftime. Afterward, they fell flat in the second half.
There were questionable calls on offense like running the ball on 3rd and 7 and not throwing it. Or, punting the ball on 4th and 2 when the Eagles had converted two fourth downs before.
I don’t know what Nick Sirianni and Shane Steichen’s plans were but some of the calls did not make sense. It looked like as if the game was slipping away, they didn’t know what to do. Steichen is reportedly on his way to becoming a head coach for the Indianapolis Colts.
Steichen is not ready to be a head coach. These coaches are being rushed and in return have hurt the game. Meanwhile, Andy Reid, who had his share of up and downs, knew what to do, kept his composure, and led Kansas City to win their third Super Bowl title in history.
On a positive note, the core of Hurts, A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, and Dallas Goedert did what they needed to do. Jalen Hurts completed 27 of 38 passes (71.5%) for 304 yards, one touchdown, 15 carries for 70 yards, and three touchdowns.
Wide receivers A.J. Brown (6 catches for 96 yards, 1 touchdown), DeVonta Smith (7 catches for 100 yards), and tight end Dallas Goedert combined with 19 catches for 256 yards and one touchdown. Eagle’s fans should be excited to have this core for the next several years.
However, in the second half. They relied on the passing game too much. Can’t blame them for doing that because the running game was a non-factor.
Take away Jalen Hurts and running backs Kenneth Gainwell, Miles Sanders, and Boston Scott combined with 17 carries for 45 yards. The Chiefs’ defense did a good job sensing what was coming and stopped them despite guys like Jason Kelce opening a hole for them to run. The Eagles need to get a power running back in the draft like Bijan Robinson from Texas or Jahmyr Gibbs from Alabama.
It also helps that some of the coaching staff under Andy Reid that were with him in Philadelphia are now in Kansas City like defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo. They knew what plays the Eagles were calling and for the most part shut them down.
On the other side, the Eagles’ defense could not get to and stop Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Mahomes completed 21 of 27 passes for 182 yards, three touchdowns, and six carries for 44 yards. Eagles’ defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon did not prepare the defense for what they were about to face.
During the game, the Eagles’ defense left too many players wide open and Mahomes made them pay for it. The Eagle’s front four could not penetrate the Chiefs’ offensive line to get to Mahomes. The Eagles need to retool the front four heading into the offseason.
Perhaps they can use one of their two first-round picks to get an edge rusher. They need someone who will be able to penetrate an offensive line to get to the quarterback like the Bosa brothers. They need to get younger, stronger, and faster.
Still, Gannon did not adjust and the Chiefs did whatever they wanted out on the field. The Eagles’ linebackers could not keep up with Travis Kelce and the secondary was not covering their guys one-on-one.
The only player that I would like to see the Eagles re-sign this offseason is C.J. Gardner-Johnson. Johnson tied the league with six interceptions this year and I think he can be part of this defense for the next five years.
In addition, I would like to see Brandon Graham back in a backup role. He still has some juice left in the tank, and I would love to see him win one more Super Bowl before retiring.
Jonathan Gannon has not been the best defensive coordinator for the Eagles and they should move on from him whether he gets a head coaching position or not. The inexperience of this coaching staff showed last night and they need an experienced coach. The Eagles need a new defensive coach with experience like Rex Ryan, Mike Singletary, or Lovie Smith.
Adding any one of these veteran defensive coordinators would be a welcoming addition to the Eagles. They know how to play the game and know how to coach these players into becoming great players. It will be an interesting off-season for the Eagles. Let’s hope they make the right decisions and get back to the Super Bowl next year.
