The Kansas City Chiefs defeated the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl 57 in a thrilling game at State Farm Stadium in Arizona. The Chiefs will now be looking to construct a dynasty by becoming the first team to win back-to-back titles since the 2004 New England Patriots. Chiefs fans can use the latest offers and promotions to back their side to achieve the feat, although given the length of time since the last repeat champion, the omens are stacked against Andy Reid’s men.
Changing style
The Chiefs have all the elements for a run towards the crown for at least another year before a potential reset. Patrick Mahomes is in the prime of his career and became the youngest quarterback to win two MVPs and two Super Bowls. Even though he was limited by an ankle injury, Mahomes orchestrated a second-half comeback for his team after trailing 24-14 at the interval. He was not at his best, but the 27-year-old made the key throws when it mattered the most to clinch the title, aided by masterful play-calling from Reid.
Mahomes managed to keep the Chiefs rolling towards the Super Bowl without superstar wideout Tyreek Hill, who was traded away during the off-season to the Miami Dolphins. With All-Pro tight end Travis Kelce, and contributions from almost every player in the receiving corps, Kansas City worked their way to a 14-3 record and the top seed in the AFC.
The run was unlike Chiefs teams of the past that produced dazzling offensive performances. Instead, their performances demonstrated effective play to edge out their opponents, especially in the second half of the campaign. Kansas City lost to the Buffalo Bills and Cincinnati Bengals during the regular season, but their consistency allowed them to finish with a superior record to take the top seed that was vital in allowing them to progress to the Super Bowl.
In his fifth season, Mahomes has still not played a playoff game on the road other than at a neutral venue. Reid will be extremely encouraged that his side were able to win in a different manner from usual, and between quarterback and coach, both are making strides to catch Tom Brady and Bill Belichick’s GOAT status, although they’re still a long way from even reaching parity.
Can Mahomes and Reid maintain their run?
Mahomes and Reid proved that they are the class of the NFL once again, but the challenge to remain at the top is going to be tricky. The Chiefs managed to reload their side without Hill and with injuries to Mecole Hardman and Clyde Edwards-Helaire. Kelce remained consistent throughout the season and appears to be ageless, although there will be natural concerns about whether he can continue to produce his All-Pro caliber performances at the age of 34.
The Chiefs need to have a succession plan in place as the current roster looks to be short on talent in the receiving corps. Skyy Moore and Kadarius Toney played important roles in the Super Bowl, with the former reeling off a huge punt return and then a touchdown in the fourth quarter. It is vital that Kansas City have players around Mahomes to ease the burden off the quarterback to prevent injuries, like his high-ankle sprain that could have ended his team’s season. The defense took steps forward, with a young secondary holding up against elite offenses in the latter stages of the season. If those players develop, it further eases the pressure on Mahomes to have to score 30 points per game.
Kansas City also have to deal with the opposing talent in the AFC. The Buffalo Bills have been close in the past three seasons, but have not been able to break past their rivals yet to reach the Super Bowl. The Chiefs and the Cincinnati Bengals have played out thrillers in the playoffs for the past two years, and there appears to be very little between the sides. The Jacksonville Jaguars announced their arrival in a close-fought contest with the Chiefs, while the Los Angeles Chargers, Baltimore Ravens, and Miami Dolphins are not going to go away.
There is plenty of talent in the AFC, and it promises to be a thrilling battle for the conference in 2023 and beyond.