Super Bowl LIX: Chiefs vs Eagles Position-by-Position Defensive Breakdown
Grant White
Host · Writer
Defensive Coordinator Edge: Chiefs
Spagnuolo continues to find new ways of running his defense and maximizing production from top to bottom. The Eagles may have had better metrics, but we trust Spagnuolo's schemes over Fangio's.
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Eagles Interior Defensive Linemen
Considering their offensive proficiency in the playoffs, it's easy to overlook that the Philadelphia Eagles built their Super Bowl run on elite defending. Much of their success can be attributed to their superb defensive line, particularly their interior defensive linemen. Jordan Davis has been a menace, and that unrelenting pressure has been key to disrupting opposing quarterbacks' timing. Davis, Jalen Carter, et al. must be at their best to claim their second Super Bowl Championship in franchise history.
Chiefs Interior Defensive Linemen
Every time he steps on the gridiron, Chris Jones further solidifies his position as the top defensive tackle in the NFL. Jones's presence has allowed Tershawn Wharton to become a more disruptive force on the interior, particularly in the playoffs. The Kansas City Chiefs will continue to experience success up front, thanks to Jones and Wharton's contributions.
Spread: Chiefs -1.5 | Moneyline: Chiefs -120 | Eagles +102 | Total: 48.5
Defensive Interior Linemen Edge: Chiefs
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This is an area of strength for both teams. We want to believe in the Eagles, but the Chiefs have a clear advantage.
Chiefs Edge Rushers
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George Karlaftis and Mike Danna have an easier job on the outside, due to the constant double-coverage teams must employ to slow down Chris Jones. Still, neither has looked particularly impressive this season.
Eagles Edge Rushers
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On his own, Josh Sweat has been more productive than the Chiefs' edge rushers. And that's without factoring in Nolan Smith Jr.'s contributions on the opposite end.
Edge Rushers Advantage: Eagles
Unequivocally, the Eagles' edge rushers can inflict more damage in Super Bowl LIX.
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Chiefs Linebackers
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Nick Bolton, Drue Tranquill, and Leo Chenal operate as a cohesive unit, albeit benefitting from the Chiefs' defensive line and schemes. Bolton was the best of the trio this season, but Tranquill and Chanel remain top-end talents.
Eagles Linebackers
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Zack Baun emerged as an All-Pro linebacker in 2024, and he's shown no signs of slowing down in the postseason. Unquestionably, Nakobe Dean's absence is a significant hit, but Oren Burks has proven to be an adequate replacement.
Linebackers Edge: Eagles
Even without Nakobe Dean, we give the Eagles the edge. Baun is just that good, and their versatility up front should allow the Eagles to maintain their excellent level of play.
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Chiefs Cornerbacks
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Three years into his professional career, Trent McDuffie continues to find new ways to impress. His catch rate has improved compared to last season, and he's also matured into a more active defender. However, missed tackles have been an issue for Jaylen Watson.
Eagles Cornerbacks
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Philadelphia's biggest problem last season was its ineffective pass defense. Quinyon Mitchell resolved many of those concerns in his rookie season. With Darius Slay operating at peak levels, the Eagles' cornerbacks look better than ever.
Cornerbacks Edge: Eagles
This is another area in which these teams are very evenly matched. Nevertheless, Philadelphia has an objective advantage in terms of production.
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Chiefs Safeties
Justin Reid has proven to be a liability in the Chiefs' secondary this season. The veteran has allowed an alarming 77.4% catch rate in coverage and is an average tackler. Moreover, Bryan Cook hasn't done enough to offset those concerns.
Eagles Safeties
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C.J. Gardner-Johnson has been a ball hawk in the Eagles' secondary. The former fourth-round pick matched a career-high with six interceptions this season and has been effective in coverage. Flanked by Reed Blankenship, Philadelphia's safeties have been integral to the team's success.
Safeties Edge: Eagles
This is the widest gap between these teams. The Eagles' safeties have been among the best in the league, and that's likely to continue into the Super Bowl.
Eagles Defensive Coordinator Vic Fangio
All the credit goes to Vic Fangio, who solved most of the Eagles' problems in his first season as defensive coordinator. Fangio has the flexibility to operate his defense in a few different schemes, disguising pressure and forcing quarterbacks to make post-snap reads.
Chiefs Defensive Coordinator Steve Spagnuolo
The sum of the Chiefs' whole is greater than the individual parts, thanks to Steve Spagnuolo. The Chiefs' defensive coordinator has been one of the best at drawing up coverages and keeping opposing offenses on their toes.
Defensive Coordinator Edge: Chiefs
Spagnuolo continues to find new ways of running his defense and maximizing production from top to bottom. The Eagles may have had better metrics, but we trust Spagnuolo's schemes over Fangio's.
Stay ahead of the game and elevate your sports betting experience with SportsGrid.
Eagles Interior Defensive Linemen
Considering their offensive proficiency in the playoffs, it's easy to overlook that the Philadelphia Eagles built their Super Bowl run on elite defending. Much of their success can be attributed to their superb defensive line, particularly their interior defensive linemen. Jordan Davis has been a menace, and that unrelenting pressure has been key to disrupting opposing quarterbacks' timing. Davis, Jalen Carter, et al. must be at their best to claim their second Super Bowl Championship in franchise history.
