Tag: Super Bowl

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Roger Goodell calls the idea that officials favor the Chiefs a “ridiculous theory” ahead of Super Bowl 59 in New Orleans

NFL Commissioner Roger speaks in the news conference

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell responded to the idea that officials favor the Kansas City Chiefs, calling it a “ridiculous theory.”

Goodell covered a variety of topics during his annual press conference, which kicked off Super Bowl week on Monday. These topics included diversity, a possible 18-game season, expanding the NFL internationally, Tom Brady’s dual role as both a broadcaster and co-owner, and more.

The Chiefs are aiming for a third straight Super Bowl win, facing the Philadelphia Eagles in a rematch of the 2023 Super Bowl, where Kansas City won 38-35. The Chiefs have benefitted from calls during their playoff run.

Some questionable calls, like two roughing-the-passer penalties in their divisional win over Houston, and a disputed spot on a Josh Allen sneak in their AFC championship game against Buffalo, have sparked conversation.

Goodell addressed the situation, saying, “A lot of those theories are things that happen in social media and they get a new life. I understand that. I think it reflects a lot of the fans’ passion and is a reminder for us on how important officiating is. I think the men and women officiating the NFL are outstanding.

We have the highest possible standards. It’s a ridiculous theory for anyone who might take it seriously. But at the end of the day it’s something we have to work at, how do we make our officiating better.”

The NFL evaluates officials not just on field performance but also in other aspects of their lives. Goodell praised the dedication of officials, saying they work hard to get things right and improve with every game.

Kansas City Chiefs players celebrate after the win

The league is looking into technology to help with line-to-gain measurements next season, but officials will continue to be responsible for spotting the ball. NFL executive Kimberly Fields mentioned that while technology could assist, it won’t replace the human element in spotting the ball.

On the topic of diversity, Goodell stated that the NFL’s efforts to promote diversity do not conflict with federal policies. The NFL has policies like the Rooney Rule, which requires teams to interview diverse candidates for key coaching and front-office positions. Goodell emphasized that these policies align with current law and practice, without relying on quotas.

Regarding international expansion, Goodell expressed confidence that the NFL could someday have a team outside the United States, and he hinted that a Super Bowl could follow. The league has held games in countries like England, Germany, Mexico, and Brazil, with a game planned for Spain in 2025. However, a Super Bowl outside North America would pose logistical challenges.

Goodell also discussed the possibility of extending the NFL season to 18 games. While formal negotiations with the players’ union have not taken place, Goodell said he had informal talks with NFLPA executive director Lloyd Howell Jr.

He explained that while fans love more football, the league has to approach any expansion carefully to ensure player health and safety. Since the NFL introduced a 17-game season in 2021, changes in equipment and training have reduced injuries, making the idea of an 18-game season more feasible.

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Super Bowl may hinge on the battle in the middle as Chiefs, Eagles face strong interior pass rushes in New Orleans

Chris Jones speaks in the news conference

When Josh Allen dropped back from the shotgun snap in the AFC Championship game, with the Buffalo Bills ahead of Kansas City, the 2-point conversion play quickly became a mess.

Allen retreated to the 14-yard line, looking for a way out, but as two pass rushers closed in on him, he scrambled right. Chris Jones, the standout of the Chiefs’ defense, finished the play by stripping the ball from Allen.

In those few chaotic seconds, Jones showed why he’s been a first-team All-Pro for three years in a row. With a powerful bull rush, he overpowered Bills left guard David Edwards and collapsed the pocket around Allen. Chiefs defensive end George Karlaftis helped by pushing right tackle Spencer Brown back and then shifting inside to trap Allen. Jones and Karlaftis combined to force the turnover.

Strong pressure up the middle is one of the most effective ways to disrupt a play in today’s NFL.

“The most direct path to the quarterback is through the middle,” said NFL analyst Brian Baldinger. “The way quarterbacks now can extend plays or run, it’s changed how defenses rush. If you can collapse the pocket inside, it makes life much harder for them.”

The outcome of Super Bowl 59 between Kansas City and Philadelphia could come down to which team can better protect the middle from fierce pass rushes. The Eagles, with Pro Bowl defensive tackle Jalen Carter, have three of the top eight and four of the top 22 interior pass rushers in the league, according to Pro Football Focus.

Chris Jones, who ranked highest for interior defenders in 2024, is also the top pass rusher at his position, according to PFF’s analysis.

“Jones has incredible agility for his size,” Baldinger said. “He’s hard to block because his feet and hands are always moving. He’s slippery, hard to catch, and knows when to take advantage of key moments.”

Interior offensive linemen are becoming more essential in the game

Interior offensive linemen have become more valuable in recent years. While left tackle has always been a key position, blocking the blind side of right-handed quarterbacks, the role of right tackle has become just as crucial. Right tackles need to be able to stand up against top pass rushers. According to salary data from Over The Cap, there are 32 tackles in the NFL earning an average of $10 million or more per year.

But now, guards and centers are also gaining value. There are 20 guards and six centers with contracts averaging at least $10 million annually. The highest-paid center is Creed Humphrey of the Chiefs, while Landon Dickerson, the left guard for the Eagles, is among the top-paid guards.

Philadelphia Eagles players celebrate after a touchdown

This Super Bowl will showcase some of the top interior blockers, who have benefited from experienced offensive line coaches. Andy Heck of Kansas City is in his 12th season with the team, and Jeff Stoutland of Philadelphia has been coaching for 41 years, including 12 years with the Eagles under three different head coaches.

For Kansas City, Humphrey and left guard Joe Thuney were named first-team All-Pros. Thuney recently moved to left tackle to help stabilize an unsettled position, while right guard Trey Smith, a Pro Bowl selection, will be a highly sought-after free agent at just 25 years old. If D.J. Humphries is healthy enough to return to left tackle, Thuney could move back to guard.

For the Eagles, Dickerson is heading to his third straight Pro Bowl. Center Cam Jurgens earned his first Pro Bowl after filling in for the retired Jason Kelce. Right guard Mekhi Becton, a former tackle, quickly adapted to his new position after joining the Eagles.

Dickerson had to start at center in the NFC Championship Game due to a back injury to Jurgens. But then Dickerson hurt his knee, forcing Jurgens to step back in.

“These guys are playing through pain. I just can’t say enough about how much I respect these guys for what they have to do with their bodies,” Eagles coach Nick Sirianni said. “I don’t think anyone knows the half of it, what they have to do to play the long season.”

The role has become more challenging

The job has gotten tougher. Defensive tackle Aaron Donald changed the game during his career with eight All-Pro selections. Since his retirement, Chris Jones has taken over as the leader of the interior pass rushers. But guards and centers now face more challenges than just players like Donald.

Many teams now move their edge defenders inside during passing situations to create a mismatch. For example, Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores frequently put his four best pass rushers in standup positions on third downs.

“The guys we’re going against are bigger, and as they get bigger they’re still staying fast, they’re still staying twitchy,” said Vikings right guard Dalton Risner earlier this postseason. “The game of football is ever changing, ever evolving. Everyone’s trying to figure out one way to one-up it.”

Kansas City Chiefs’ Wake-Up Call: Struggles Amid 11-1 Record Raise Concerns for Playoff Run
Kansas City Chiefs (NFL)

Teams with weak interior protection are at risk. The Vikings, for example, struggled with interior pass protection for years. Their 14-win season ended with a blowout loss to the Detroit Lions in Week 18 and a playoff defeat to the Los Angeles Rams. Quarterback Sam Darnold was pressured heavily in both games, with much of the pressure coming from the middle.

The Chiefs and Eagles have avoided this problem.

“How many pressures you gave up and how many sacks you gave up, those are the stats that we all know,” Sirianni said. “Sometimes you only get focused on the negative thing. But I love offensive linemen. I’ve always loved offensive linemen because of that selflessness they have.

They’re protectors, right? They’re there to protect and serve other people. That’s the best thing you can say about a human being, that you want to do well for yourself to do well for others.”

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Brandon Graham eager to return from triceps injury for Super Bowl showdown in New Orleans

Brandon Graham in the Super Bowl 59 Opening Night

After recovering from a torn triceps, Brandon Graham is ready to play in the Super Bowl on Sunday for the Philadelphia Eagles.

“I’m feeling good,” Graham said on Monday during the NFL’s opening night. “I’m excited to be able to play in this game. Just enjoying the moment.”

Graham clarified that he still needs to make it through this week of practice without any issues before a final decision is made, but the Eagles’ defensive star from Super Bowl 52 looks set for a surprising return.

The 36-year-old Graham was expected to miss the rest of the season after suffering the triceps injury during a Nov. 24 game against the Los Angeles Rams. He was placed on injured reserve two days later, leading many to believe his career was over.

“When I got hurt, I saw it as a possibility,” he said. “I talked to people and they said it was a possibility. I rehabbed as hard as I could … So when the time came, they would give me the chance.”

That chance may come Sunday when the Eagles face off against Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs.

Graham was on the losing side of the Super Bowl two years ago against Kansas City, where he had little impact during his 18 defensive snaps due to a slippery field that made pass rushing difficult.

Brandon Graham warms up before the game

It was a different story five years earlier against New England, though, when Graham’s crucial strip-sack of Tom Brady in the fourth quarter stopped a Patriots comeback and helped the Eagles win their first Super Bowl.

That moment capped a 15-year career, with Graham setting an Eagles record for 215 games played in both the regular season and playoffs. His 82 total sacks rank third in franchise history.

Graham is one of just two position players remaining from the Eagles’ Super Bowl-winning 2017 team.

His return could be a huge emotional boost for the team, but Graham hopes to contribute more than just that. He had 3 1/2 sacks in 11 games before his injury.

“If they didn’t feel like I could bring something, they wouldn’t waste their time activating me,” he said.

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Kellen Moore’s Future as Eagles OC in the Spotlight at Super Bowl in New Orleans

Kellen Moore speaks with the members of the media in the news conference

Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator Kellen Moore found himself surrounded by reporters in New Orleans, all eager to ask him about his future. The New Orleans Saints are the last NFL team searching for a head coach, and Moore is the top candidate, although he can’t be hired yet because the Eagles are playing in the Super Bowl this Sunday.

“It’s obviously been a good process,” Moore said about his initial meetings with Saints general manager Mickey Loomis and other team officials last week. “Having an opportunity to meet with Mickey and their leadership group has been great, and it’s set up in a way that allows us to focus on this game, and we’ll see what happens after that.”

During Super Bowl media night, Moore avoided directly answering questions about whether he could be back in New Orleans next fall as head coach. He stressed that his full focus was on Sunday’s game against the two-time defending champion Kansas City Chiefs and that his only concern was preparing for this opportunity to coach in the Super Bowl.

Moore, who played as a backup quarterback behind Dak Prescott in Dallas in 2017 before becoming his position coach, has had success in his current role. This season, he helped lead the Eagles’ offense, which featured running back Saquon Barkley, one of only nine players in NFL history to rush for over 2,000 yards in a season.

The Eagles ranked eighth in the league for total offense, with most of their yards coming from the ground game. They finished second in rushing yards per game (179.3), but ranked 29th in passing (187.9 ypg).

Philadelphia Eagles players celebrate after a touchdown

“You build around your players,” Moore said. “There’s different styles we’ve played over the years and that’s the fun part of it. You have certain things that you have strong feelings about from a coaching perspective, but I think it’s important to do what your players do best and surround yourself with as many opportunities to get those guys in those situations as you can.”

If Moore becomes the Saints’ head coach, he’d take charge of an offense featuring star running back Alvin Kamara. The team’s quarterback could be Derek Carr, whom Moore once faced in college, when Moore was at Boise State and Carr played for Fresno State.

“Tons of respect for him as a quarterback in this league,” Moore said about Carr. “He’s had a tremendous career and done a lot of really good things.”

Moore isn’t new to New Orleans, having a relationship with the Manning family from his time at the Manning Passing Academy in Thibodaux, Louisiana, which he called an “awesome experience.”

When he eventually becomes a head coach, Moore expects to remain the primary play-caller for his offense.

“Certainly it’s a passion of mine, something that had gotten me to this place,” Moore said. “You hate to stop doing what you love as you go through this journey.”

Eagles players weren’t surprised to see Moore in the running for a head coaching job.

“He’s the worst coordinator I’ve ever had,” joked Eagles offensive tackle Jordan Mailata, as if it would deter the Saints from hiring Moore.

“Kellen’s been the best,” Mailata added. “He’s done a great job setting up plays, explaining the schemes, and the whys behind certain motions and formations. It’s a magical thing. It’s no wonder why he’s a finalist to be a head coach here.”

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Kansas City Chiefs’ Travis Kelce isn’t rushing to retire, even if the team claims another Super Bowl title

Travis Kelce in the Super Bowl 59 Opening Night

Travis Kelce has no plans to retire anytime soon, even if the Kansas City Chiefs win their third consecutive Super Bowl on Sunday.

The 35-year-old tight end’s future has been a hot topic, especially with his rising fame off the field due to his relationship with pop star Taylor Swift and his successful media career through his popular sports podcast.

At the Super Bowl opening-night event, Kelce was asked where he sees himself in three years. He responded, “Hopefully still playing football. I love doing this, I love coming into work every day. I feel like I still have a lot of good football left in me. We’ll see what happens.

I know I’ve been setting myself up for other opportunities in my life. That’s always been the goal knowing football only lasts for so long. You have to find a way to get into another career and another profession. I’ve been doing that in my offseason. But for the most part, I plan on being a Kansas City Chief and playing football.”

Despite not being at the peak of his career, Kelce is still performing at a high level. He caught 97 passes this season for 823 yards and three touchdowns.

Travis Kelce celebrates after catching a pass

In the divisional round against Houston, Kelce had an impressive game with seven catches for 117 yards. He now holds the record for the most catches in the playoffs (174) and ranks second in receiving yards (2,039) and touchdown catches (20), trailing only Jerry Rice.

At the Super Bowl opening-night event, Kelce was one of the most popular players, surrounded by a large group of reporters and fans. They asked him a range of questions, from football to dancing, and even if he planned to propose to Swift if the Chiefs win. Kelce humorously replied, “A Super Bowl ring? Next question.”

Kelce also shared how his relationship with Swift motivates him on the field. “I better hold up my end of the bargain,” he said. “If she’s out here being the superstar she is, never taking no for an answer, and always working her tail off, I better match that energy for sure.”

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Chiefs’ Butker heads into his 5th Super Bowl in confident spirits, trusting both his kicking and his beliefs

Harrison Butker in the Super Bowl 59 Opening Night

Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker, known for openly discussing his Christian faith, became briefly silent when asked on Monday night, “What do you think about gays?” during the Super Bowl opening-night media event at the Superdome.

“I understand that this is a great evening and we’re here to focus on the game,” Butker replied. “Maybe if I saw him without a camera, we’d have a great conversation.”

This has been an eventful year for the 29-year-old Butker, who joined the Chiefs in 2017 and has been part of seven straight AFC championship games and five Super Bowls. He’s aiming for his third consecutive ring and fourth overall.

The year kicked off with an intense Super Bowl last February when the Chiefs faced the 49ers. Butker helped keep Kansas City in the game with three field goals, including a 57-yarder in the third quarter, before a 29-yard kick at the end of regulation sent it to overtime. Kansas City won 25-22.

In the offseason, Butker made headlines for reasons off the field.

“There’s been a lot that’s gone on and I never expected to be this known, I guess, as a kicker,” Butker shared.

Last May, Butker was asked to give a commencement address at Benedictine College in Atchison, Kansas. Some of his comments caused controversy. He suggested that many women graduating were likely more excited about marriage and having children than working, and criticized some Catholic leaders for pushing “dangerous gender ideologies” on youth.

He also spoke out against Pride Month and President Joe Biden’s abortion stance, which led the NFL to issue a statement distancing itself from Butker’s views, saying, “His views are not those of the NFL as an organization. The NFL is steadfast in our commitment to inclusion, which only makes our league stronger.”

Kansas City Chiefs players celebrate after the win

During the summer, Butker launched a political action committee aimed at encouraging Christians to vote for what it called “traditional values.” The PAC’s website was still active ahead of the Super Bowl, though it didn’t explain how donations were being spent. Butker also campaigned for Missouri Republican Senator Josh Hawley before the general election.

Despite the attention, Butker admitted he was caught off guard by the public reaction.

“It was a surprise because I’d been saying similar things to that for many years now and it’s funny what stuff gets picked up,” Butker explained. “I said what I said. I believe in it. I don’t feel the need to apologize for anything. I feel like God’s prepared me for that moment to feel confident in who I am and what’s most important in my life and I’m able to handle whatever comes my way.”

The season itself has had ups and downs for Butker.

He kicked a 51-yard field goal as time expired in a 26-25 win over the Bengals in Week 2, followed by three field goals that helped secure a win at Atlanta. Butker also kicked the go-ahead field goal in a 16-14 win over the Broncos in mid-November, keeping the Chiefs in position for the No. 1 AFC seed.

However, after that game, Butker had surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his non-kicking knee. The injury affected his kicking form, causing his left knee to bend almost like a lunge when hitting the ball. This may have contributed to a couple of missed extra points and field goals when he returned in December.

He’s been back to form in the playoffs, making three field goals in a divisional-round win over Houston, and hitting a go-ahead 35-yard field goal with 3:33 left in the AFC Championship to help Kansas City win 32-29 over Buffalo.

“It’s a positive to know that you can go out there and make kicks when it matters,” Butker said. “But every game is different.”

Butker has become used to Super Bowls.

“I’ve gotten a lot better at handling the nerves leading up to the game,” Butker said. “I’ve been here before. I understand once the game starts it’s just like any other game. I also feel like I can pace myself a little bit so I’m not playing the game (in my head) before it’s actually played.

“Thankfully, I’ve played in many of these games and I have those memories to go back on,” he added. “But obviously you understand the magnitude of what this game is.”

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The Eagles and Chiefs touch down in New Orleans for Super Bowl week

Patrick Mahomes arrives in New Orleans

The Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs have arrived in New Orleans for Super Bowl week.

The teams landed on Sunday afternoon to sunny skies and temperatures in the 60s, just a week before their game on February 9. Players and staff stepped off the planes and onto moveable staircases, heading to waiting buses on the tarmac.

They quickly made their way to downtown hotels in convoys. Most of the Eagles were dressed in black sweatsuits with the “Super Bowl LIX” logo on the chest, while Chiefs coach Andy Reid wore a blue suit with a red tie.

One of the pilots on the Eagles’ plane showed a green-and-white flag from the window that read, “Geaux Birds,” a play on the way French words and many names in Louisiana end with “eaux.”

This year’s Super Bowl comes a month after a terrorist attack on Bourbon Street in the French Quarter on January 1. A man drove a truck onto the sidewalk, killing 14 people before being shot by police. Security was tight at the airport when the teams arrived. Media were kept behind barricades about 50 yards from the players and staff, and no interviews were allowed.

Security barriers can also be seen on Bourbon Street near a memorial for the victims of the January 1 attack.

Nick Sirianni arrives in New Orleans

The Eagles (17-3) made it to the Super Bowl by defeating the Washington Commanders 55-23 in the NFC Championship. The Chiefs (17-2) are looking to be the first team to win three consecutive Super Bowls after beating the Buffalo Bills 32-29 in the AFC Championship.

The arrivals marked the start of a week of events leading up to New Orleans’ first Super Bowl since 2013.

“This is the first day of the culmination of eight years of planning,” said Jay Cicero, president of the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation and the New Orleans Super Bowl Host Committee. He mentioned how it’s been eight years since the city won the bid to host this year’s game.

“It’s a little surreal that the teams are arriving,” Cicero said. “We’re excited that this is happening. It’s time to get going.”

Cicero, who was at the airport when the teams arrived, shared that a study from the University of New Orleans found the 2013 Super Bowl brought in about $480 million in spending to the area.

“We’re certainly expecting more than that this time around,” he said.

More than 6,000 media credentials have been issued for the Super Bowl, an increase from the 5,200 given out for the 2013 game, and double the number from the 1997 Super Bowl in New Orleans.

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Cam Newton, speaking from Atlanta, stated he wouldn’t swap his NFL MVP for a Super Bowl victory, saying, “I did my job”

Cam Newton
Cam Newton (NFL)

It’s common for athletes to say that winning a Super Bowl is more important than an individual award, and most top NFL quarterbacks will downplay the MVP. Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson are examples of this.

However, Cam Newton doesn’t agree.

The former Carolina Panthers quarterback, now a commentator on ESPN’s “First Take,” challenged the usual view on Thursday when Stephen A. Smith asked if he would trade his MVP award for a Super Bowl win.

Expecting Newton to choose the Super Bowl he never won, Smith was surprised when Newton answered with a firm “no.”

Newton criticized Smith’s question as a “journalistic viewpoint” and asked whether impact or championships are more important. He then explained his thoughts, mentioning three non-elite quarterbacks who won a Super Bowl:

“Everybody’s not going to be Michael Jordan. Everybody’s not going to be Patrick Mahomes. Everybody’s not going to be these individuals who have the luxury of saying, ‘Hey, I not only dominated this sport, but I also have championships to back it.’

“Let me remind you, Brad Johnson won a Super Bowl. Trent Dilfer won a Super Bowl. Respectfully, Nick Foles won a Super Bowl. So, yes, when you look at those guys and you say, ‘OK, what’s more important? Would you have preferred to win a Super Bowl?’

Cam Newton Foresees WNBA Surpassing MLB in Popularity Over the Next 20 Years
Cam Newton Foresees WNBA Surpassing MLB in Popularity Over the Next 20 Years

I think that’s the humble approach, but if we’re being honest, the impact of you holding yourself accountable to say everybody has a responsibility to do, and you can say as an MVP award winner or an All-American, you’ve held your end of the bargain down. That’s what it really comes down to for me.

“I know that’s not the popular pick, I’m not trying to be popularized! My take is, I’m taking individual success because I did my job. Football is not about one guy trying to do 11 jobs, it’s 11 guys doing one job.”

The discussion was made more entertaining by Newton’s large hat and the reaction of his co-panelist, Jason McCourty, who won Super Bowl LIII with the New England Patriots.

Newton played 11 seasons in the NFL and reached the Super Bowl once, which was during his MVP season. In 2015, he led the Panthers to a 15-1 regular-season record and Super Bowl 50, but they lost 24-10 to Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos.

Aside from that season, Newton’s Panthers lacked the kind of talent that is typically needed to win a Super Bowl. Newton didn’t believe he was part of the problem, although his performance did decline after that year, partly due to injuries.

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NFL (American Football)

In Philadelphia, Jason Kelce says he’ll be happy for whoever wins between the Eagles and Chiefs in the Super Bowl: “I’m rooting for both teams.”

Jason Kelce performs his opening monologue

Jason Kelce has strong feelings for both teams in Super Bowl LIX. On one side is his younger brother Travis, tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs, who has been part of his life for over 35 years. On the other side is the Philadelphia Eagles, the team he played with for 13 years after being drafted in the sixth round in 2011.

The last time the Chiefs and Eagles met in the Super Bowl — Super Bowl LVII in 2022 — Jason Kelce played against his brother. Kansas City won for the second time in four seasons, but the Kelce family had divided support.

Now, with Jason Kelce retired from the NFL and Travis Kelce and the Chiefs back in the Super Bowl for a third consecutive title, it might seem clear who Jason is supporting. But Jason shared on the “New Heights” podcast that it’s not that simple.

“I’ll always root for my brother,” Kelce said while wearing an Eagles hat and shirt. “I’m always going to root for Travis. But there are a lot of people in the Philadelphia organization, whether it’s players, coaches, or staff, who feel like family to me, especially my former linemen. Like, Lane Johnson feels like a brother.”

“I’m rooting for those guys, too. I’m rooting for Philadelphia and I’m rooting for Travis Kelce, and that’s the reality of it. No matter what, on game day, I’ll be happy for one team and sad for the other.”

Travis Kelce celebrates after the game

“It’s similar to the last time we played [in the Super Bowl], maybe a little less intense because I’m not playing now. I think it’s going to be very similar. I live in Philadelphia, I still visit the facilities regularly. I still feel like I’m a Philadelphia Eagle and part of the people who root for our team.”

“I’d be lying if I said I don’t want the Eagles to win. I want them to. But I also want Travis Kelce to win. That’s a long-winded way of saying I just want to see a good football game, and whoever wins, I’ll be happy for that side.”

As for Jason’s wife, Kylie, she said on her “Not Gonna Lie” podcast that they plan to go to the game and cheer. Kylie Kelce mentioned that she’ll cheer for Travis, but added, “That being said, I was raised to bleed green.”

Jason Kelce, now also a panelist on ESPN’s “Monday Night Countdown,” said he won’t wear red during the Super Bowl. Travis Kelce suggested he wear a half-and-half jersey, like their mother Donna did when the Chiefs and Eagles met in the Super Bowl before. Jason turned down the idea and said he might choose something that represents their podcast, but not in red or green.

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NFL (American Football)

The Eagles’ Super Bowl push against the Chiefs is driven by key changes following last season’s devastating collapse in Philadelphia

Jalen Hurts holds the championship trophy after the game

The Eagles were soaring high last season, with a 10-1 record, the top seed, home-field advantage for the playoffs, and a Super Bowl ring within reach.

However, this season turned out differently. Instead of heading straight to the Super Bowl on February 9 in a rematch against Kansas City, they faced a tough 2023. Coach Nick Sirianni and quarterback Jalen Hurts’ journey to the Super Bowl ended in one of the most dramatic collapses in Philadelphia sports history — and there have been many.

The Eagles were 10-1 before they suffered a heavy 23-point loss at home to San Francisco in a rematch of the NFC championship game. The following week, Dallas defeated them by 20 points. The losses kept piling up, and the Eagles finished the regular season 1-5 before being eliminated in a wild-card loss to Tampa Bay.

Despite reaching the playoffs three times and going to a Super Bowl in his first three seasons, Sirianni was on the hot seat. Changes were necessary — from adjustments to the coaching staff and game plan, to the draft and improving the team’s locker room chemistry.

The tough lessons from the previous year motivated the Eagles, leading them to a 14-win regular season and three more playoff victories.

Owner Jeffrey Lurie and general manager Howie Roseman chose to stick with Sirianni, and the Eagles made the necessary moves to get back to the top. Now, they are just one win away from reaching the Super Bowl once again.

“It’s been the story of the 2023 to the 2024 Eagles. As bad of a feeling we had about how last year ended, I think it makes you who you are,” said Sirianni.

Now, they aim to win their second Super Bowl in franchise history. “That’s pretty dope,” Sirianni said. “That’s all my focus is on.”

Hurts and Sirianni

In their relationship this season, Sirianni and Hurts appear to be more in sync than last year. After the NFC Championship win, Hurts joked that he had been “freed from the offense’s ‘straitjacket.’” Hurts had six wins this season in games where he passed for under 200 yards, and in the NFC Championship, he threw for 246 yards and had four touchdowns.

“We’ve been winning a couple different ways this year. I think he was just having fun after the game,” Sirianni said. “I know this, and he’s said this plenty of times: He doesn’t care how we win. I don’t care how we win, as long as we win. We do everything we can do to be able to win.”

Nick Sirianni and Jalen Hurts celebrates after the win

The biggest question heading into this season was whether Hurts and Sirianni’s relationship, which seemed strained last year, would carry over into 2023. After the playoff loss to Tampa Bay, Hurts had a lukewarm response when asked about Sirianni’s future. He later explained that his answer was because he was caught off guard by the question.

“We’ve been through a lot together, right? A lot of wins, some down times,” Sirianni said this week. “That’s what kind of forges relationships.”

Despite some rocky moments, Hurts publicly supported Sirianni this season. They are now the first coach-QB duo in Eagles history to reach two Super Bowls.

“He’s done a great job,” Hurts said.

The coordinators

One of the clearest signs the Eagles were struggling last season came when Sirianni made former Lions coach Matt Patricia the defensive play-caller, which took real responsibility away from defensive coordinator Sean Desai. Desai and Patricia were let go in the offseason, along with offensive coordinator Brian Johnson. Johnson only lasted one season in Philadelphia, and Hurts had a tough year, throwing a career-high 15 interceptions and seeing his passer rating drop from 101.5 to 89.1.

The new hires were a huge improvement.

Kellen Moore took over as offensive coordinator and became one of the most sought-after head coaching candidates in the NFL. The Eagles hired 66-year-old Vic Fangio to run the defense, and under his guidance, it became the top-rated defense in the league.

The defense has allowed just 10, 22, and 23 points in the postseason, with 10 takeaways, including 21 points off three fumble recoveries against the Commanders.

“The players have to play well to play great defense, so it’s a combination of what Vic does and how he motivates the guys to get them to play to the highest level that they can,” Sirianni said. “Just got a ton of respect for him and sure glad he’s here.”

Moore, a former backup quarterback who played behind Dak Prescott with Dallas in 2017 before becoming his position coach the following year, directed a Philadelphia offense that featured Barkley as the ninth running back in NFL history to rush for 2,000 yards in the regular season.

“There are different things that we’ve been doing that have really helped us. There are some things that are similar to what we’ve done in the past because we’ve been good at those things,” Sirianni said.

“And then there are things that are new to both what we’ve done and Kellen’s system as well. Kellen’s done a phenomenal job of handling all those things, putting our offense in positions that we’ve been successful in.”

A.J. Brown holds the championship trophy after the win

Barkley arrives

Former Eagles running back Miles Sanders ran for a solid 1,269 yards during the 2022 Super Bowl season, and Kenneth Gainwell was a reliable backup.

Hurts was the team’s leading rusher in the Super Bowl with 70 yards, and the Eagles only had 115 yards rushing in total.

With Saquon Barkley, the Eagles feel like a completely new team at times.

Barkley has quickly become one of the greatest free-agent signings in Philadelphia sports history. He ran for 2,005 yards, can break off 60-yard touchdowns as easily as Joel Embiid scores layups, and has turned the offense into one of the most dangerous dual threats since the days of Donovan McNabb and Terrell Owens.

The Eagles will need Barkley to be at his best to have a chance against the Chiefs. That’s no small task for a player whose season has led to comparisons with legends like Terrell Davis and Eric Dickerson, ranking him among the best running backs in NFL history.

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NFL (American Football)

Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show in New Orleans to Feature Top Global Artists

Kendrick Lamar (Apple Music)

The 2025 Super Bowl in New Orleans is expected to be an exciting game, but the halftime show could be the most talked-about part of the day.

Here’s everything you need to know about the performance, including a look back at some of the biggest halftime shows in history.

Who is performing at the Super Bowl 2025 halftime show? In September, it was announced that Kendrick Lamar would headline the halftime show for the February 9 event on FOX.

The NFL shared a video from Lamar to make the announcement.

He’ll join a long list of famous Super Bowl performers, including Alicia Keys, Jennifer Lopez, the Rolling Stones, and Prince.

New Orleans has also seen some legendary halftime performances. This will be the city’s 11th time hosting the Super Bowl, and past acts there have included Beyoncé, U2, The Blues Brothers, James Brown, and Ella Fitzgerald.

Kendrick’s first appearance at a Super Bowl, as he took part in the 2022 game at SoFi Stadium

What time does the Super Bowl halftime show start? The game’s kickoff is at 6:30 p.m. ET, and since the game typically lasts around 3-4 hours, the halftime show will likely start between 8:00 and 8:30 p.m. ET. Of course, this depends on how the game goes.

Who else is performing? Other performances, national anthem, etc. Lamar won’t be the only artist performing. Here’s a list of others:

  • Grammy-winning singer SZA will join Lamar for the halftime performance.
  • Grammy-winning singer Jon Batiste will sing the national anthem.
  • Christian artist Lauren Daigle and jazz musician Trombone Shorty will perform “America the Beautiful.”
  • R&B artist Ledisi will perform “Lift Every Voice and Sing.”

There are often surprise appearances during the halftime show too. Last year, for example, Usher was the main performer but was joined by Alicia Keys, H.E.R., will.i.am, Ludacris, Lil Jon, and others.

One person who won’t be performing, though, is New Orleans-born rapper Lil Wayne. He has publicly expressed his disappointment at not being chosen as the headliner.

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NFL (American Football)

The Philadelphia Eagles are the favorites to win Super Bowl LIX, based on the latest odds

Philadelphia Eagles players celebrates after a touchdown

The Divisional Round was filled with intense games and turnovers, and out of that chaos, the Philadelphia Eagles emerged as the current Super Bowl favorite. After a tough win against the Rams in snowy conditions, the Eagles are leading the pack with the best odds at +180 on BetMGM, at least for now.

The Eagles’ odds benefit from their easier matchup against the Washington Commanders, while the two top AFC teams, Kansas City and Buffalo, will face off in the AFC Championship. The winner of that game is expected to become the Super Bowl favorite, but for now, they sit behind Philadelphia in the odds.

Buffalo Bills’ Path to the Super Bowl

The Buffalo Bills appear to be the stronger team of the two AFC contenders, especially after their solid performance against the Ravens. Buffalo played mistake-free football, with quarterback Josh Allen leading a low-risk, efficient offense. While his passing yards were modest, Allen made quick decisions and avoided pressure, posting one of his fastest times to throw this season.

On defense, Buffalo’s aggressive approach, including sending 15 blitzes at Lamar Jackson, paid off, as they were able to force mistakes from the Ravens. This adaptability, combined with Allen’s steady play, makes Buffalo a formidable Super Bowl contender, even though they face a tough matchup against Kansas City.

Kansas City Chiefs’ Road to the Super Bowl

While Buffalo seems like the stronger team on paper, Kansas City cannot be underestimated, especially in January. The Chiefs have a remarkable ability to win close games, finishing all 11 of their tight matches with victories. Their offense might not be as explosive as in past seasons, but they find ways to win, even when they are outplayed.

In a recent game against the Texans, Kansas City won despite being outgained by 100 yards and failing to force any turnovers. Their ability to grind out wins in tough situations makes them a dangerous team as they head into the AFC Championship.

Philadelphia Eagles players celebrate after a touchdown in the 2nd half

Philadelphia Eagles’ Strategy for the Super Bowl

At the start of the playoffs, neither of the two remaining NFC teams seemed strong enough to compete with the Chiefs, Bills, or Ravens, but the Philadelphia Eagles have shown they can compete. After two games, they may not appear perfect, but they have the weapons to succeed.

Against the Rams, the Eagles relied heavily on their strong offensive line and star running back Saquon Barkley, who dominated with a 7.9 yards per carry average. Barkley scored touchdowns from 62 and 78 yards, helping to push Philadelphia forward. Jalen Hurts also contributed with a 44-yard touchdown run.

However, some late-game decisions raised questions, particularly when Hurts, who was dealing with an injury, dropped back to pass in key moments. Despite this, Philadelphia’s powerful running game could be their ticket to success in the Super Bowl, especially since the Commanders have struggled to stop the run this season.

Washington Commanders’ Path to the Super Bowl

The Washington Commanders are facing a tough challenge, as the Eagles boast the best defense in the league. Philadelphia’s defense ranks highly in both pass defense and run defense, which will make things difficult for Washington. However, Washington has a strong quarterback in Daniels, who has performed excellently under pressure.

In their recent game against the Lions, Daniels completed 12-of-16 passes against the blitz, leading his team to multiple key conversions, including three fourth-down attempts.

Washington has shown they can adapt and win in various ways, which could be crucial if they continue their playoff run. If they manage to beat the Eagles, they will have proven themselves capable of overcoming any challenge, with the potential to take on either Kansas City or Buffalo in the Super Bowl.