The Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs are setting the stage for an electrifying showdown, each team bringing unique strategies and strengths to the field. The Eagles have seen a noticeable increase in their motion rate from last year, although it remains below the league average. Meanwhile, the Chiefs have strategically employed Cover 0 on 11% of their playoff snaps last year. With both teams showcasing a mix of offensive and defensive tactics, this matchup promises to be a test of adaptability and precision.
Nolan Smith's role with the Eagles has grown since Brandon Graham's injury, underscoring the team's depth and resilience on defense. The Eagles' defense, rebuilt under their current coordinator, has emerged as the league's best over the past four months. This strategic overhaul has fortified their performance, allowing only one run of 30 or more yards during the regular season. In contrast, Saquon Barkley has managed 13 runs of at least 30 yards this season, highlighting the challenge opposing teams face against him.
The Chiefs have been a formidable force on third down, leading the league in efficiency when Patrick Mahomes is on the field over the past two seasons. Their performance on first and second down ranks 15th in EPA per play during the same period, indicating room for improvement in early downs. The Eagles, on the other hand, have seen Jalen Hurts' precision rate leap to third in the league this season, showcasing his development and adaptability in high-pressure situations.
Jalen Hurts has faced challenges against the blitz, throwing 10 interceptions on 328 pass attempts between 2022 and 2023. However, his QBR against the blitz was unmatched during the regular season, demonstrating his ability to excel under pressure. The Eagles have also adapted their strategy in the playoffs, incorporating screens into their game plan 12 times across three playoff games after using a league-low number during the regular season.
The Eagles' performance on slot targets has improved with DeJean's introduction into the lineup, addressing a previous ranking of 30th in EPA per attempt on throws to slot receivers between early 2023 and the first four weeks of 2024. This enhancement reflects their commitment to refining their offensive strategies to support Jalen Hurts' capabilities.
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