Super Bowl LIX

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you know the Super Bowl is the biggest sporting event of the year (at least in North America). You probably also know that Kendrick Lamar is headlining the half-time show and that Taylor Swift will be in attendance. However, if you want to know a little more than that, you should keep reading. The 59th edition of the Super Bowl will be hosted in New Orleans at the Superdome this Sunday. The Kansas City Chiefs (representing the AFC) will take on the Philadelphia Eagles (representing the NFC) in a rematch of Super Bowl 57 (aka the Kelce bowl), where the Chiefs ran out as 38-35 winners in a thriller. Without a doubt, this game promises to be just as good if not better. So let’s take a closer look at the two most complete teams of the year.

Philadelphia Eagles

If one word could describe the Eagles, it has to be “POWER”. Whether it’s through their offense spearheaded by star running back Saquon Barkley or through their wrecking crew of a defense, make no mistake, the Eagles are looking to dominate you. Widely recognized as the best roster in the NFL, coached by the passionate Nick Sirianni, here’s a closer look at the Eagle’s key players

• Jalen Hurts (Quarterback) - The stats don’t tell the whole story with Jalen. A leader among men that never gives up. He is a dual threat quarterback that can make big plays with his feet and his arm and it’s no accident that he’s making his second Super Bowl appearance in 3 years.

• Saquon Barkley (Running Back) - The stats do in fact tell the story with Saquon Barkley. He has put together perhaps the most productive year ever by a running back and is only 30 yards shy of the all time rushing record of 2,476 yards (regular season + playoffs) set by Terrell Davis. He’s always looking to score and is likely to have multiple 20+ yard gains in the game.

• AJ Brown (Wide Receiver) - Outside of a certain Chief’s player to be named later, AJ Brown is the most deadly pass catcher in this game. Freakishly athletic and one of the most consistent receivers today. Paired alongside another star receiver Devonta Smith, he is a nightmare to deal with and almost unstoppable 1 on 1.

• Jalen Carter (Defensive Tackle) - Jumping from one freak athlete to another, Jalen Carter is coming after your quarterback, period. Someone that’s 6’3 and weighs 315 lbs shouldn’t be able to move as fast as he does. Expect his name to be called throughout the game.

• Zack Baun (Linebacker) - One of the breakout stars of the year and could have easily walked away with the NFL’s Defensive Player of the Year award. A certified playmaker that has a tendency to always be in the right place at the right time. Whether it’s joining a blitz to get after the quarterback or dropping back to break up a pass intended for everyone’s favourite tight end, he can do it all.

• Lane Johnson (Right Tackle) - Ball security is job security in the NFL and that can’t happen if your quarterback isn’t protected. A Super Bowl winner with the Eagles in 2018 and the leader of the Eagle’s offensive line, Lane Johnson hasn’t allowed a single sack in the playoffs since 2013.

• Jordan Mailata (Left Tackle) - The highest rated player in the NFL this year across all positions and often the key to unlocking Barkley’s monster runs. The ex-rugby league player is first Australian to ever play in multiple Super Bowls and looking to become only the second Australian player ever to win it.

• Honourable Mentions - Devonta Smith (Wide Receiver); Jordan Davis (Defensive End); Dallas Goedert (Tight End); Nolan Smith (Defensive End); Quinyon Mitchell (Cornerback)

Kansas City Chiefs

The word that describes the Chief’s today is “Precision”. The back to back defending champs are 1 game away from becoming the first team ever to win 3 Super Bowls in a row. The Chief’s are by far the best prepared team in the NFL and their legendary head coach Andy Reid has made them almost unbeatable in the clutch. Here are the players that tend to make the the big plays when it counts

• Patrick Mahomes (Quarterback) - Chasing the legend of Tom Brady (who is incidentally calling the game), Patrick Mahomes is 1 game away from doing something even the GOAT couldn't do. Not unlike Brady, he seems to find an extra gear with the game on the line and is the odds-on favourite to win his 3rd consecutive Super Bowl MVP.

• Travis Kelce (Tight End) - Most people know him as Taylor Swift’s boyfriend but the Eagles defense know him all too well from their last Super Bowl match up. Travis Kelce is the greatest tight end to ever play the game and is still arguably the most dangerous offensive weapon on the field even at age 35. Don’t be surprised if the Eagles double him the entire game because leaving him in blank space would be disastrous.

• Chris Jones (Defensive Tackle) - Talk about doubling someone the entire game, the Eagles should add Chris Jones to that list. So good that the Chief’s prioritized signing him to a long term contract over Tyreek Hill (a certified game-breaker in his own right). Jones is a one-man wrecking crew that has a tendency to make the biggest plays in the game on 3rd down.

• George Karlaftis (Defensive End) - Chris Jones might command most of the attention and double teams on the Chief’s defensive line, but George Karlaftis has been lethal coming off the edge. Don’t be surprised if Karlaftis ends the game with the most sacks of any player in the game.

• Trent McDuffie (Cornerback) - Likely to be tasked with guarding AJ Brown 1 on 1 on several occasions, McDuffie is one of the best defensive backs in the league. His ability to cover wide receivers without committing penalties is remarkable for a player only in his 3rd season as a pro

• Leo Chenal (Linebacker) - Chenal’s best attribute is his ability to stop the run. Although he will have his hands full with Saquon Barkley, a strong performance from him could stifle the Eagle's vaunted running game.

• Xavier Worthy (Wide Receiver) - Speed kills and the rookie from UT Austin holds the record for the fastest 40 yard dash in NFL combine history. With the Chief’s #1 receiver Rashee Rice out for the season, Xavier Worthy has stepped up and is peaking at just the right time.

• Honourable Mentions - Isiah Pacheco (Running Back); Kareem Hunt (Running Back); Creed Humphrey (Center); Justin Reid (Safety); Deandre Hopkins (Wide Receiver); Hollywood Brown (Wide Receiver)

Now that you’ve been introduced to the main characters, you are ready to enjoy the show. However, if you’re interested in looking suspiciously smart at your Super Bowl Party, stay tuned for part 2.