If you’re still trying to scrub the image of Jalen Hurts holding that Lombardi Trophy from your mind, you’re probably a Chiefs fan. Honestly, I get it. The hype leading into New Orleans for Super Bowl LIX was basically a fever dream of "three-peat" talk. Everyone was ready to crown Kansas City as the greatest dynasty ever.
Then the game happened.
The Philadelphia Eagles didn’t just win; they dismantled the narrative. When people ask who won Super Bowl last year, the answer is more than just a name. It’s a 40-22 beatdown that ended the Chiefs' quest for an unprecedented third straight title. It wasn't even as close as that score makes it look. Seriously. If you tuned out when the score was 40-6 in the fourth quarter, you saw the real game.
The Night the Chiefs' Dynasty Hit a Wall
It was February 9, 2025. The Caesars Superdome was loud—like, "can’t hear your own thoughts" loud. Most of us expected a replay of the nail-biter from two years ago. You know, the one where a late flag and a Harrison Butker kick decided it?
Yeah, this wasn't that.
Philadelphia’s defense, led by Vic Fangio, turned Patrick Mahomes into a mortal. He was sacked a career-high six times. That's a lot of grass for a guy who usually dances away from everyone. The wildest part? The Eagles didn't even have to blitz to do it. Their front four—Josh Sweat, Jalen Carter, and that whole crew—just lived in the backfield.
The MVP: Jalen Hurts
Jalen Hurts walked away with the MVP, and he earned every bit of it. He finished with:
- 221 passing yards and 2 touchdowns.
- 72 rushing yards and a signature "Tush Push" touchdown.
- A 119.7 passer rating that felt like a statement.
He outplayed Mahomes on the biggest stage. Hurts was efficient, calm, and somehow found DeVonta Smith for a 46-yard bomb that basically signaled the end for KC late in the third. It was redemption for the fumble in their last Super Bowl matchup.
What Most People Get Wrong About Super Bowl LIX
A lot of casual fans think the Chiefs just had a "bad day." That's sorta lazy. If you look at the tape, the Eagles' general manager, Howie Roseman, spent two years building a roster specifically to kill the Chiefs' style of play.
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He loaded up on DBs like Cooper DeJean. Speaking of DeJean, the kid had a 38-yard pick-six on his 22nd birthday. Talk about a legendary way to celebrate. That play put the Eagles up 17-0, and the air just left the building.
The Scoring Breakdown (If you missed it):
- First Quarter: Saquon Barkley (who finally got his ring) helped push Hurts in from the 1-yard line. 7-0.
- Second Quarter: The floodgates opened. Jake Elliott kicked a 48-yarder, DeJean got his pick-six, and A.J. Brown caught a 12-yard TD. 24-0 at half. It was a massacre.
- Third Quarter: Jake Elliott again, followed by that DeVonta Smith dagger. 34-0.
- Fourth Quarter: The Chiefs added some "garbage time" points to make it 40-22, but the Eagles' starters were already on the sidelines putting on championship hats by then.
Why This Win Still Matters for the NFL
This game changed how we look at the "Chiefs Era." For years, it felt like Mahomes could just teleport to the trophy whenever he wanted. The Eagles proved that if you can generate pressure with four guys and play sticky man coverage, even the best quarterback in the world starts to look frantic.
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It also solidified Jalen Hurts as a true Tier 1 quarterback. He joined Nick Foles as the only Eagles QBs to win it all. He also joined an elite club: only Tom Brady and Joe Burrow had beaten Mahomes in the playoffs before him.
Kendrick Lamar and the Vibe
We can't talk about last year's Super Bowl without mentioning the halftime show. Kendrick Lamar headlined in New Orleans, and the energy was electric. Having SZA show up was a nice touch, but it was really Kendrick’s night—much like it was Philadelphia’s.
Moving Forward: What to Watch
If you're looking to apply the "Eagles Blueprint" to your own football debates or Madden franchise, remember these three takeaways from who won Super Bowl last year:
- Trenches over everything: Philly won because their defensive line dominated without help.
- Versatile QBs are king: Hurts' ability to run for 72 yards kept the Chiefs' defense guessing.
- Rookies matter: Cooper DeJean’s impact as a first-year player was the turning point.
Now that the parade on Broad Street is a memory, the league is trying to figure out if the Eagles are the new team to beat or if KC can bounce back. If you want to dive deeper into the stats, check out the official NFL gamebook for the full play-by-play.
Keep an eye on the Eagles' defensive rotations this season. Most teams are trying to copy that "no-blitz" pressure scheme now, but very few have the personnel to actually pull it off. Whether they can repeat is the big question, but for now, the Lombardi Trophy is staying in Philly.