When I think of the massive X-factors for the upcoming Super Bowl, I instantly think of Hurts, Barkley, or Brown. Maybe Carter, Slay, or Baun. Those are the big-time playmakers who carry us through EVERY game, but in this article, I wanna look at some OTHER vital players to help us win Super Bowl LIX.
Our beloved Philadelphia Eagles have long been a cornerstone of the NFL, known for their passionate fanbase and competitive spirit. In recent seasons, Howie Roseman has assembled a mix of established veterans and promising newcomers, all of which, continue to contribute to the team’s success. As we get closer to game time this Sunday, let’s take a look at some not-so-obvious X-factors that need to be nothing short of perfect during Super Bowl LIX.
Jake “The Snake” Elliott: Field Goals and XPs
It may just be me, but this season seemed to be one of the lowest points for our beloved kicker out of the University of Memphis. It felt like during key points in the regular season when we needed Jake to make a kick the most, he missed. And statistically, Elliott didn’t have that bad of a season, he was 28 of 36 on field goal attempts, giving him a 77.8 field goal percentage, which was 34th in the league. He also went 47 of 48 on extra point attempts, for a much better 97.9 percentage, which was 19th in the league. We all know though, what you did in the regular season, doesn’t matter anymore. We need, “The Snake”, to strike every chance he gets, because far too many times, games could be decided by a missed field goal or a missed extra point.
Since joining the Birds in 2017, Jake continuously showcased his power and accuracy, famously drilling a 61-yard field goal against the New York Giants. Yeah, you remember the game and the kick. His ability to perform under pressure made him an invaluable asset, and we need him to step up this Sunday and return to the kicker who had a solid reputation as one of the league’s top kickers.
A Pair of Rookie DBs: DeJean and Mitchell
It’s no secret that we’ve had the number-one defense for the majority of this season and all throughout the postseason. And I know what you’re thinking, I should probably be talking about guys like Big Play Slay, Mister Carter, or the front four. But I want to focus on our two rookies who have already had AMAZING seasons thus far. DeJean, out of Iowa, and Mitchell, out of Toledo, were draft-day steals by Howie Roseman. Mitchell, known for his aggressive playstyle and keen understanding of defensive schemes, was an immediate starter who quickly showed that he had the potential to be a game-changer on the field. DeJean, on the other hand, had to earn his way onto the field and did so quickly as he showed versatility allowing him to play multiple positions in the secondary. Both of these young talents have had huge moments and stat lines this year that I could type out until my fingers fall off. But we’re here to talk about the matchup with Kansas City this weekend.
Mitchell has stepped up numerous times this season and locked down several receivers, whether they were one or two on their respective team’s roster. And we all remember what Coop did to the King in the open field right? The receivers and running backs the boys are going up against are going to be a handful on Sunday. Hollywood Brown, JuJu, Hopkins, Worthy, Kelce, Hunt and Pacheco. Speed, strength, and skill, not to mention the luckiest QB in the game slinging the ball in their direction, our secondary is going to have to be on its toes all game long and be ready to lock down the Kansas City offense. Slay, Blankenship, Rodgers, and CJGJ will help out, but if these two young rookies can shake the big game jitters and play the game of their lives, there won’t be much Mahomes magic to carry KC to a victory.
The Slim Reaper Must Strike: DeVonta Smith
I know what you might be thinking, I said not-so-obvious. So why am I talking about our number 2 receiver? Well, it’s simple, Smitty had his first sub-1,000-yard season since his rookie year in 2021. He spent a few games on the sidelines, and like Elliott, seemed like he wasn’t all there this year. But, statistically, he had a solid season with 68 catches for 833 yards and a career-high 8 touchdowns. As the resident writer from Alabama though, the story I keep hearing on local television, is whether or not DeVonta Smith can join an infamous club of Heisman Trophy, National Championship, and Super Bowl winners. The club has only four members currently: Tony Dorsett, Marcus Allen, Charles Woodson, and Reggie Bush.
To me, it ALWAYS seems like Smith steps up when it matters most. This game coming up will be no exception. This postseason, the Chiefs—in two games—have allowed 482 passing yards with an average of 7.8 yards per pass. That average doesn’t bode well for the defending champions when you have a hungry receiving core out for revenge from two years ago. If the Slim Reaper strikes fast and often in this game, he’ll easily join that list of legends and can finally call himself a Super Bowl Champion. And just an FYI, in two games against Kansas City, including Super Bowl LVII, DeVonta has 13 catches for 221.
Will We Be Holding The Lombardi Sunday Night?
The Birds’ success may not hinge on the contributions of the players mentioned above, but let’s be honest, each player brings unique skills and perspectives to the team. Most of our fanbase will be rooting for Saquan to run circles around their defense, Jalen to go off for 400 yards and 5 touchdowns, or Carter to collect 6 sacks and 4 forced fumbles on the NFL’s most untouchable quarterback. Ultimately we all have to remember that winning this game will be a team effort, and EVERYONE will have to step up for 60 minutes. If our beloved Birds can do that, surely at the end of the night, we will be able to call ourselves Super Bowl 59 Champions!
Who do you think will be the biggest X Factor for the Eagles in Super Bowl 59? Let us know in the comments below or on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Threads, BlueSky, or TikTok.