Four Things That Contributed To The Eagles Loss In The Super Bowl
Devon Givens shared 4 things that contributed to the Eagles’ loss in the Super Bowl.
1) The Collapse on Defense
They gave up just seven points to Patrick Mahomes and the high-powered Kansas City Chiefs offense in the first half. But the defense was left in the locker room at halftime. Jonathan Gannon picked the worst time to not make the necessary adjustments against the Andy Reid / Eric Bienemy playcalling. Mahomes was able to put 24 points on the board in the second half after being down 10 at the half and all you wanted to see from the Eagles’ defense was to get one stop. Just one. But it never came. Brutal.
2) The Hurts Fumble
Quarterback Jalen Hurts was spectacular and had his coming out party on the biggest stage against the Chiefs. Unfortunately, the one blemish was his unforced fumble at midfield on 3rd & 5 that allowed the Chiefs’ Nick Bolton to return the ball for a touchdown, tying the score at 14-14. Hurts’ ball handling had been great all season without losing any fumbles.
That one on Sunday night was the only turnover by either team. It ended up being crucial based on how the game played out. Tough time to lose the ball and give up free points. On 3rd & 1, right guard Isaac Seumalo was called for a false start, pushing the Eagles back five yards and definitely changing the play-calling options on third and long versus a shorter distance. Hurts did make up for it by driving the Eagles downfield for a score on the next series to lead, 21-14.
3) A Bad Punt, and Bad Punt Coverage
Birds punter Aaron Siposs returned for the Super Bowl after missing time due to injury. And while he punted well early in the game his fourth-quarter punt was bad. it was a low line drive brutal 38-yard kick that allowed Kadarius Toney to return the football to the Philadelphia five-yard line after KC had just scored a TD for their first lead of the game, 28-27. Momentum had officially shifted at this point.
4) The Holding Call
This play will forever be one of the things Eagles and football fans alike will remember this game for. It was 3rd & 8, the Chiefs had the ball on the 15-yard line and Mahomes throws the ball incomplete to Juju Smith-Schuster in the endzone. But, while being defended by corner James Bradberry, the official threw a late flag on Bradberry for a hold that was controversial. A ticky-tack call. Let them play with just 1:54 left on the game clock with the score tied at 35-35. Let the players decide the game. Before that flag, only eight combined penalties had been accessed on the night. Don’t call that in that spot. Rough.
