That's a wrap on the 2024 NFL season, where the Philadelphia Eagles finished on top, earning their second title on Sunday against the Kansas City Chiefs. The Eagles made it look easy as they dominated Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs in blowout fashion, winning 40-22, but let's take a look at how they got the job done:
Let's start with the offense and the MVP of the game: Jalen Hurts. Hurts took full command and delivered a stellar performance. He was exceptional in the passing game, completing 17 of 22 passes for 221 yards and two touchdowns. He also had 72 yards and a touchdown on the ground. This is the ninth straight year the winning team's quarterback won the MVP award.
Saquon Barkley was quiet in this game. The AP Offensive Player of the Year was held to 97 scrimmage yards on 31 touches, but it was enough for the Eagles to win. Philadelphia wouldn't get to the Super Bowl if it weren't for Barkley's outstanding season. It will go down as the best season at the running back position and be talked about for years.
While Hurts certainly deserves the hardware, the Eagles didn't win this game without their defense, which had answers for Mahomes and the Chiefs' offense all night. Kansas City could not generate anything on offense from the beginning, which cost them this Super Bowl. They became too complacent, and the Eagles recognized that and took advantage.
The Eagles held Mahomes to one of his lowest passing grades of the season, allowing just -0.297 expected points added (EPA) per play. Mahomes offense didn't even cross midfield until the final two minutes of the third quarter, and in the first half, it was all Philadelphia defense.
Mahomes finished 21 of 32 for 257 yards, three touchdowns, and two interceptions, making three big throws and three turnover-worthy plays. While he made some big plays and got the Chiefs' scoring going, it was too little and too late, as the Eagles had already had a decisive lead, and the game was won.
This game lacked memorable moments like David Tyree's Helmet Catch or Malcolm Butler's goal-line interception because it was a blowout. A 24-point margin at halftime could've told you that, but if you want to look at one play that was the turning point of this game, it would have to be Cooper DeJean's pick-six.
On his 22nd birthday, the rookie cornerback became the standout player in this game with one play and helped the Eagles win their second Super Bowl. He allowed 68 yards, gave up only one first down, and recorded a defensive stop. His most significant moment in the game was his pick-six in the second quarter.
DeJean picked off Mahomes and took it to the house to give the Eagles a 17-0 lead. Not only was it DeJean's first NFL interception, but it also came on his 22nd birthday and was in the Super Bowl. He became the first player to score a touchdown in the Super Bowl on their birthday. The interception was also returned for 38 yards, nearly double the total yards the Chiefs had at the time, which was 20.
So, the MVP should have gone to either DeJean or Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, whose play-calling contributed significantly to this dominant effort. Still, Philadelphia has dethroned the Kansas City Chiefs and prevented a team from three-peating for the second time in NFL history, disrupting their dynasties and enshrining their name in Super Bowl history.