Comparing the Chiefs and Eagles by defensive positions

Defense wins championships

The Chiefs and Eagles are set to face off in less than a week. Looking at the rosters is a good way to attempt to predict a winner, and after already comparing the Chiefs and Eagles offenses, the defense is now the focus.

Defensive Backs

The Kansas City Chiefs traded their top cornerback in the off season, and many, including myself, believed it would be a massive hit to their defense. Trent McDuffie stepped up this season as the top CB on the roster, but the Chiefs pass defense still struggled throughout the year. Regarding the safeties, Justin Reid has been a great addition since signing with Kansas City and has made massive plays in this year’s playoffs. The Chiefs defensive back room is the weakness of the defense. For the Eagles, their defensive back room is one of the best in the NFL. Rookies Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper Dejean have made game-changing plays throughout the season. Veteran Darius Slay leads this cornerback room, and they rank among the best in the NFL. Reed Blankenship and C.J. Gardner Johnson are also great safeties and keep this DB group consistent.

Winner – Eagles DBs

Linebackers

Zack Baun was a finalist for Defensive Player of the Year, and his impact can be seen in run defense, pass defense, and causing turnovers. He is the x-factor of the Eagles defense. Nakobe Dean was Baun’s LB partner throughout the season, but due to injury, he will be out for the Super Bowl. Backup Oren Burks has held his own in Dean’s place, but it will be something to watch in the big game. On the Chiefs side, Nick Bolton, Drue Tranquill, and Leo Chenal are solid linebackers. Bolton and Chenal have been a part of two of the Chiefs’ recent Super Bowls, while Tranquill was only with the team last year. Each player has made plays in the Super Bowl and stayed consistent. The choice of who wins this position battle goes down to choosing the best linebacker or the consistent trio. For this position, a team just needs one exceptional linebacker to make a massive difference, and that is Zack Baun.

Winner – Eagles LBs

Defensive Line

Chris Jones is arguably the best defensive tackle in the league. It does not matter what offensive lineman is in front of him; Jones will win the match up and make truly game-changing plays. The lights are never too bright for the Chiefs defensive tackle, and there is no doubt he will make a difference in this Super Bowl match up. Jones is not the only difference-maker on the Chiefs defensive line. George Karlaftis has had a great season, finishing with eight sacks. After these two players, the Chiefs’ defensive line’s talent falls off a bit. On the Eagles’ side, it is hard to find a spot on the defensive line that lacks talent. The Eagles have drafted defensive linemen even when they did not need to, and it has proven to be a smart decision. Starting with the defensive tackles, Jordan Davis and Jalen Carter are two massive football players who can out-strength offensive linemen with ease. They are great in run defense and can get in the backfield to blow up plays. Going to the other defensive lineman, Brandon Graham is coming back from an injury and will not be 100%. Milton Williams has been a nice piece to the defensive line, and Josh Sweat has done great this season with eight sacks. This is a very similar decision to what happened with the linebackers. Chris Jones is arguably the best defensive tackle in football, and George Karlaftis had eight sacks. The Eagles have two outstanding defensive tackles, potentially Brandon Graham, and Josh Sweat, who also had eight sacks. With two edge rushers having eight sacks, they can cancel out, so it’s down to 1 top player vs. three excellent defensive linemen.

Winner – Chiefs Defensive Line

In my opinion, the Eagles have the better overall roster going by position groups. Will that matter in the end? Maybe, but on paper, the Philadelphia Eagles should win this game.