5 Keys to Preventing a Three-Peat: The Road to Eagles Victory in Super Bowl LIX

Two years ago, in Super Bowl LVII, the Philadelphia Eagles faced off against the Kansas City Chiefs in a thrilling game that ended in a narrow defeat for the Eagles. They lost 38-35 on a field goal in the final seconds, missing out on a championship.

That loss marked the beginning of the Chiefs’ quest for a historic three-peat Super Bowl victory in NFL history.

Now, the Eagles have a chance to thwart the Chiefs’ quest and claim the championship for themselves.

Here are five keys to victory for the Eagles as they face the two-time defending champion Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX on Sunday night at the Superdome in New Orleans:

Lean heavily on Saquon Barkley — especially in the second half

Utilize Barkley, the 2,005-yard running back, as Philly’s primary weapon and key to championship success, particularly in crucial moments of the game.

Emphasize Barkley’s strengths in the second half, leveraging his abilities to capitalize on a strong offensive line and his dynamic playmaking skills.

Barkley’s performance in second halves this season showcases his impact and ability to make significant gains, emphasizing the importance of his role in late-game situations.

Remain committed to the run game and Barkley’s talents, avoiding the mistake of abandoning the run game when facing the Chiefs’ defense.

Have Jalen Hurts get the ball out of his hands fast

Encourage Hurts to release the ball quickly to capitalize on the talents of dynamic receivers like A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, and tight end Dallas Goedert.

Reduce sacks and pressure on Hurts by speeding up his decision-making and utilizing the speed and agility of his receiving options for big plays.

Pressure Patrick Mahomes

Focus on disrupting Mahomes with a strong pass rush, preventing him from picking apart the defense with time in the pocket.

Utilize players like defensive tackle Jalen Carter and edge rusher Nolan Smith to apply pressure on Mahomes and force him into quick throws or scrambles.

Keep a defensive shell on TE Travis Kelce

Limit the impact of Kelce, Mahomes’ safety valve and top weapon, by employing a defensive scheme that focuses on containing him and preventing big plays.

Utilize a bracket coverage strategy to defend Kelce effectively, minimizing his influence on the game and forcing Mahomes to look elsewhere for options.

Be aggressive on the Kansas City half of the field

Opt for aggression and take calculated risks on offense when in Chiefs territory, considering the limitations of kicker Jake Elliott and the importance of maximizing scoring opportunities.

Prioritize going for it on fourth downs and avoiding long field goal attempts due to Elliott’s inconsistency, focusing on offensive strengths to secure points.

In a game where touchdowns are crucial, strategic aggression and offensive efficiency can make a significant impact on the outcome.

Ralph Vacchiano is an NFL Reporter for FOX Sports. He spent the previous six years covering the Giants and Jets for SNY TV in New York, and before that, 16 years covering the Giants and the NFL for the New York Daily News. Follow him on Twitter at @RalphVacchiano.