Jordan Sundel ‘25
Who’s in the big game
It feels like just two years ago the world was maligning the thought of having to watch Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs square off against Jalen Hurts and the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl 57. Well… that’s because it was.
The only thing that’s changed since then is the increase in disdain casual and diehard fans alike feel toward both of the storied franchises (and of course the introduction of the biggest popstar in the world to the gridiron, shoutout Tay Tay).
No matter how many fans kick and scream, Feb. 9th is approaching, and the two teams will take the field in New Orleans to battle for the right to call themselves World Champions. But how did they earn the right to compete for the title?
The Chiefs are coming off back-to-back Super Bowl titles and are seeking to be the first team in NFL history to win three in a row. Kansas City is coming off a 15-2 regular season, which at first glance may seem dominant, but upon looking further, eleven of those fifteen wins were secured by a one-score margin.
However, like in prior postseasons, Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs are inevitable. They found their stride in the playoffs, dismantling the Texans in the divisional round before bouncing the rival Buffalo Bills out of the playoffs for the fourth time in the last five seasons.
The Eagles’ path looks a little different. Their prior season can only be described as a failure marked by a second-half collapse and a swift first-round exit from the playoffs. But thanks in no small part to offseason acquisition Saquon Barkley, the Eagles posted a strong 14-3 regular season.
Philly carried that strong regular season into the playoffs, where they made quick work of the Green Bay Packers and the Los Angeles Rams before embarrassing the Washington Commanders in the NFC Championship Game to punch their ticket to New Orleans.
Who are we rooting for?
I am not surprised that the question, “Who are you rooting for?” was meant with groans and hesitation around Gordon’s campus. Jonathan Gould ‘26 answered, “Neither” before reluctantly deciding, “…anyone but the Chiefs.”
This answer wasn’t all that different from Mason Cummins ‘27 who said, “I dislike both teams heavily as a Patriots fan, but I want to see Saquon get his ring. So, I’ll be rooting for the Eagles,” which was quickly followed up with, “But seriously, why these teams?” There seems to be not many Chiefs fans on campus these days, so hopefully the support of Ms. Taylor Swift is enough inspiration for the Chiefs.
Who’s raising the Lombardi?
These next few weeks, you’re going to hear sports pundits around the globe tell you that you can’t pick against Mahomes and the Chiefs. While many have tried and more times than not ended up looking like a fool, that’s exactly what I am going to do.
I think the run game anchored by the aforementioned Barkley will be the deciding factor in this game. If the Eagles can avoid turning the football over and dominate the time of possession battle, it will be a long day for the Chiefs’ defense. Barkley has been dominant all year, demoralizing opponents with his stellar play. I see no reason that won’t continue against the Chiefs.
On the other side of the ball, Philly has a strong defensive line that should be able to force Mahomes to throw the ball quickly. I expect to see All-Pro defensive tackle Jalen Carter take advantage of a shaky interior offensive line for the Chiefs.
After the confetti falls on Feb. 9, at the Caesars Superdome, I expect Super Bowl MVP Saquon Barkley and the Philadelphia Eagles to hoist the Vince Lombardi Trophy.
Final Score: Chiefs: 20 Eagles: 31
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