For the second time in three seasons, the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles will battle in the Super Bowl. Kansas City is looking to topple Philadelphia again, with a goal of completing a historic three-peat at the forefront of everyone's minds.
While a good chunk of each team is still intact from their last Super Bowl matchup, notable changes have helped improve parts of each squad. That includes the Eagles defense under new defensive coordinator Vic Fangio.
The Fangio scheme has been one to give opposing quarterbacks fits. However, Patrick Mahomes has been relatively steady against this particular defensive mind. More on that to come.
What challenges could this Philadelphia scheme present, compared to the prior Chiefs-Eagles Super Bowl? Plus, what other differences are presented by Philly's defense this time around?
Key Philosophies Of Fangio Scheme
A major part of the Vic Fangio defensive scheme is the coverage looks. Philadelphia will generally play with a two-high shell. But, a major difference in what defensive backs are asked to do under him is found in their movement and transitions. DBs are generally asked to work downhill or laterally out of their stance, rather than work to get depth.
There are a couple of key notes from the coverages. Fangio is famous for using zone match coverages. These can force quarterbacks to hold onto the ball longer, having to make more decisions post-snap. That makes Patrick Mahomes operating quickly with plenty of confidence lately a key element for this Super Bowl. Nonetheless, the zone match coverages can create light areas of the field over the middle for which to attack. When playing man coverage, Fangio still looks to utilize light boxes. Yet, the middle of the field can become more closed in that situation with a single-high safety over the top.
As far as the defensive line goes, Fangio will use wide splits, spreading out the big men upfront. When doing this, the fits become wider, and this is where offensive linemen can become confused. That is especially true when the Eagles pressure. Fire zone blitzes and whipping or looping action across the formation on blitzes can leave blockers guessing. Fangio will not hesitate to bring defenders from the second or third level on blitzes, either.
Mahomes Has Found Plenty of Success Against Fangio
Patrick Mahomes has faced Vic Fangio eight times in his career. Six of those came when Fangio was the Denver Broncos head coach. Last year, Fangio and Mahomes squared off twice when the coach was the Miami Dolphins defensive coordinator. Via Ryan Hannable of BetMGM, Mahomes has gone a perfect 8-0 with 10 touchdown passes and 2 interceptions against Fangio so far.
Here are some contextual notes for the two most recent matchups from last year against Miami. Mahomes and the Chiefs' offense started out hot in the international matchup in Germany during the regular season. He won by attacking with quick releases and short dropbacks, while also hitting on throws up the seams and over the middle. Kansas City started tremendously, but sputtered to a choppy finish in the second half.
Then in last year's Wild Card game, the Chiefs again started fast. Mahomes found Rashee Rice for the game's first touchdown, just as he did in the Germany game. The Kansas City signal caller was again winning over the middle often against Fangio's unit. To be fair, the rushing attack of the Chiefs had just as productive of a day in the frigid temperatures. If there was one spot where Kansas City left more meat on the bone, it was in the red zone. The Chiefs scored a touchdown on just two of six red zone trips in last year's Wild Card win.
Different Eagles Faces Since Last Super Bowl Against Chiefs
The Philadelphia Eagles have seen veterans move on in retirement. Seeking improvement in other spots, the Eagles have also looked to get younger with signings and draft picks on their defense in the last two years. Compared to Super Bowl LVII against Kansas City, Philadelphia had seven defensive starters from that game who are no longer part of the Eagles for Super Bowl LIX.
On the defensive line, powerful forces like Jalen Carter, Nolan Smith, and Moro Ojomo have all been drafted since Super Bowl LVII. We will see if veteran Brandon Graham makes it back in time for the Super Bowl coming off an injury. The highly decorated Fletcher Cox also retired last offseason. Linebacker Zack Baun has turned into a versatile chess piece after coming over from the New Orleans Saints in free agency this year.
As for the secondary, Philadelphia has hit on draft picks like Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean. Their rookie seasons have been truly dominant this year. At safety, Reed Blankenship is now a starter this time around, pairing with C.J. Gardner-Johnson. Marcus Epps was the starting safety with CJGJ two years ago.
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