After the Snap: How the Eagles’ Defense Crushed Mahomes and Secured Super Bowl LIX

The Philadelphia Eagles entered Super Bowl LIX with a clear mission: neutralize Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs’ explosive offense. What unfolded at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans was nothing short of a defensive masterclass, as the Eagles soared to a 40-22 victory, securing their second Super Bowl title. The Eagles’ defensive performance wasn’t just about stopping Mahomes; it was about dismantling the Chiefs’ entire offensive identity.

Fangio’s Masterplan: Pressure Without the Blitz

Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, a seasoned veteran known for his strategic brilliance, crafted a game plan that defied conventional wisdom. Instead of relying on blitzes, Fangio trusted his defensive line to generate pressure with just four rushers. This allowed the linebackers and defensive backs to focus on coverage, effectively shutting down Mahomes’ options downfield.

The numbers tell the story: Mahomes was sacked six times, pressured on nearly 40% of his dropbacks, and threw two interceptions. According to NFL NextGen Stats, the Eagles didn’t blitz once on Mahomes’ 42 dropbacks, a testament to the dominance of their defensive front.

“We don’t like when we have to send extra guys and stuff,” said Eagles defensive end Josh Sweat. “That’s our pride — getting it done with a four-man rush.”

This approach was particularly effective because of the Chiefs’ offensive line struggles. All-Pro guard Joe Thuney was playing out of position at left tackle, and backup Mike Caliendo filled in at left guard. The Eagles’ defensive line, led by Jalen Carter, Jordan Davis, and Milton Williams, exploited these weaknesses, consistently collapsing the pocket and disrupting Mahomes’ timing.

Key Defensive Plays That Shifted the Momentum

Several key plays highlighted the Eagles’ defensive dominance:

Cooper DeJean’s Pick-Six: With the Eagles leading 10-0 in the second quarter, rookie cornerback Cooper DeJean intercepted a Mahomes pass and returned it 38 yards for a touchdown. This play not only extended the Eagles’ lead but also injected a surge of momentum into their sideline.
Zack Baun’s Interception: Just before halftime, linebacker Zack Baun made a diving interception of Mahomes at the Kansas City 12-yard line. This turnover set up an easy touchdown, giving the Eagles a commanding 24-0 lead at the break.
Sweat and Hunt Sack Barrage: Josh Sweat and Jalyx Hunt combined for back-to-back sacks on Mahomes in the second quarter, further disrupting the Chiefs’ offensive rhythm and forcing them into a third-and-long situation that ultimately led to DeJean’s interception.

The Impact on Patrick Mahomes

The Eagles’ defensive performance had a visible impact on Patrick Mahomes, who is usually calm and collected under pressure. Mahomes completed 21 of 32 passes for 257 yards and three touchdowns, but most of his production came in the second half when the game was already out of reach. He was sacked six times, threw two interceptions, and had a passer rating of just 10.7 in the first half.

“They were going to make me be a fundamental quarterback and play from the pocket and take what’s there,” Mahomes said after the game. “That’s stuff I have to be better at.”

A Historic Defensive Turnaround

The Eagles’ Super Bowl LIX victory was a culmination of a remarkable defensive turnaround orchestrated by Vic Fangio. After a disappointing end to the previous season, where they struggled with consistency in pass coverage and surrendered a ton of big plays, the Eagles’ defense transformed into the league’s top-ranked unit in 2024.

Fangio’s scheme, which emphasizes pressure without blitzing and relies on a strong secondary, proved to be the perfect antidote to Mahomes and the Chiefs’ high-powered offense. The Eagles allowed the fewest pass plays of 20+ yards to opposing offenses in 2024.

More Than Just a Game Plan

While Fangio’s scheme was instrumental in the Eagles’ victory, the players deserve immense credit for their execution. The defensive line, led by Josh Sweat, Milton Williams, Jalen Carter and Jordan Davis, consistently won their matchups and disrupted Mahomes’ timing. The linebackers, including Zack Baun and Nakobe Dean, provided solid coverage and run support. The secondary, featuring Darius Slay, Reed Blankenship, C.J. Gardner-Johnson, and rookies Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean, shut down the Chiefs’ receivers and created turnovers.

Hurts Takes Home MVP, But Defense Deserved Consideration

While Jalen Hurts ultimately took home Super Bowl LIX MVP honors, several defensive players were deserving of the award. Cooper DeJean’s pick-six, Josh Sweat’s dominant pass rush, and Zack Baun’s timely interception were all game-changing plays that contributed to the Eagles’ victory.

The Lasting Legacy

The Philadelphia Eagles’ Super Bowl LIX victory will be remembered as a triumph of defensive strategy and execution. Vic Fangio’s masterplan, combined with the talent and determination of the Eagles’ players, proved to be the perfect formula for shutting down Patrick Mahomes and securing the franchise’s second Super Bowl title. The Eagles’ defensive performance served as a reminder that in a league often dominated by offense, a dominant defense can still be the key to victory.