Not to be lost amidst all the recaps and replays of what took place this past Sunday in Arizona, we’ve finally unpacked Super Bowl LVII.
First things first, congratulations to the Kansas City Chiefs, for a relentless comeback against the Philadelphia Eagles. In the last three seasons, the Chiefs have taken home the Lombardi Trophy just once, beating the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl LIV. Fast-forward a few years, and Andy Reid has done it once again, beating the Philadelphia Eagles, 38-35, in a thriller matchup.
Heading into the big game on Sunday, both teams were undeniably loaded with talent. It was also a battle of the QB stars, as Chiefs’ Patrick Mahomes faced off against Eagles’ Jalen Hurts. Many were calling this matchup the “most evenly-matched game” in recent years, as far as players and coaching goes.
Early on, it looked like the Eagles were on pace to win it all, but the Chiefs went into overdrive, becoming the second team in NFL history to overcome a double-digit deficit coming out of halftime. Mahomes put on an outstanding performance in the second half, completing 13 of 15 passes, and adding a critical 26-yard scramble that eventually lead to the game-winning drive.
Overall, Mahomes completed 21 of 27 passes for 182 yards, three touchdowns, and rushed six times.
So, what exactly happened to the Eagles when it came down to the wire? Again, the game looked like it was going in favor of Philly early in the first half. And Jalen Hurts was just as phenomenal as Mahomes, completing 27 of 38 passes, and a touchdown. Where it looked like they gave the Chiefs an easy path to a comeback was when they settled for a field goal in a second-half possession, and punted on another. One too many turnovers cost them the biggest game.
Additionally, the Eagles’ lackluster run game contributed to their downfall. Hurts ran 15 times for 70 yards, and Gainwell, Miles Sanders, and Boston Scott combined for only 45 years on 17 carries.
The biggest call of the evening, however, turned out to be the most controversial one. A holding call on third down became the deciding factor, resulting in a Chiefs win.
Many called out the refs, especially when the game was tied 35–35, and it was late on a 3rd down incompletion.
Horrible way to end the game.
— Paul TenHaken (@paultenhaken) February 13, 2023
Nope. @nfl must need to replace Brady.
— Jose J. Ruiz (@josejorgeruiz) February 13, 2023
One of the best Super Bowls of all time ruined because of this call pic.twitter.com/yCLfit3zvS
— Will Compton (@_willcompton) February 13, 2023
Of course. Of course the season was gonna be decided on a shit call. Of course. Of course. Of course,
— Bill Simmons (@BillSimmons) February 13, 2023
Even hours after the Super Bowl ended, the controversial penalty, that played a decisive role in football’s biggest game call, is still being discussed.
“On this stage, I think you let them play, finish this thing out. I don’t love that call,” Fox broadcaster, Greg Olsen proclaimed. Social media wasn’t too fond of the call either, even getting NBA stars like LeBron James, riled up. “Sorry but I don’t like that call! Not for the Super Bowl man!,” James Tweeted.
Sorry but I don’t like that call! Not for the Super Bowl man! 🤦🏾♂️
— LeBron James (@KingJames) February 13, 2023
His hand on his back had no effect on his route! This game was too damn good for that call to dictate the outcome at the end. Damn! By the way I have no horse in the race. Just my professional opinion
— LeBron James (@KingJames) February 13, 2023
Regardless of how many of us viewed the call, we can’t change the fact that the Kansas City Chiefs are this year’s Super Bowl champions. This was clearly, a lot to unpack. I didn’t even get to delve into Rihanna’s Halftime performance, and her epic baby bump reveal.
