It was, without question, a one-sided affair: The Eagles overwhelmingly defeated the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX, taking a 24-0 halftime lead, extending it to a 34-point lead, and finally emerging with a 40-22 victory and a confetti bath at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans on February 9.
Seven months later, what can the Eagles take from that game that means anything on Sunday when the teams meet in Week 2 of this regular season at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium?
"We know they've changed and there are things that we've changed, too," wide receiver A.J. Brown said. "I think there is a familiarity because we've played them a lot (four times since 2021, including two Super Bowls), but every game is unique. Every game presents its own differences, so that is always something to think about."
On that glorious day in February, the Eagles' defense registered six quarterback sacks and three takeaways, including a Cooper DeJean interception that he returned for a touchdown. They didn't blitz a single time, instead winning with a four- and five-man front that defeated Kansas City in the trenches. Kansas City quarterback Patrick Mahomes was suffocated as the Eagles limited his ability to get out of the pocket, collapsed his in-pocket maneuverability, and dominated the Chiefs in every way.
This time around? There are a handful of new Eagles starters at all three levels of the defense – Jalyx Hunt and Nolan Smith Jr. on the edges, Moro Ojomo at tackle, Jihaad Campbell at linebacker, Adoree' Jackson at cornerback, and Andrew Mukuba at safety. Philadelphia is still learning about itself on defense.
What will coordinator Vic Fangio dial up on Sunday?