The Kansas City Chiefs head into Week 2 staring down an early-season crisis. Having dropped their opener to the Los Angeles Chargers in Brazil, the Chiefs return to Arrowhead Stadium at 0-1 to face the defending NFC champions.
On the Fox Sports pre-game broadcast on September 14, 2025, Tom Brady cut through the hype of a “Super Bowl rematch” and focused on what really matters: Kansas City’s ability to steady itself.
**Tom Brady Breaks Down Chiefs’ Test vs. Eagles**
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Feb 7, 2021; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady (12) hoists the Vince Lombardi Trophy with his daughter, Vivian, after defeating the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LV at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Brady was asked about the weight of this game, given the Eagles routed Kansas City 40-22 in February’s Super Bowl LIX. He acknowledged that fans see it as a grudge match but stressed the importance of fixing current issues. Brady said on Fox,
> _“Certainly, I think that the Chiefs is a big statement game for them, less so than last year’s game, which, for the fans, I know it feels like it’s a Super Bowl rematch, but I think the Chiefs need to just get back on track this season.”_
He added,
> _“They’re all in one, the first home game of the year. They got a quality opponent. They got to find a way to pull this one out. It’s a challenging game with the defending champs in town. It’s going to be a great one.”_
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The stats back up his caution. Kansas City’s offense mustered just 98 rushing yards in the opener, with QB Patrick Mahomes leading the team at 57 yards. Rookie RB Isiah Pacheco added only 25 yards on five carries. Missing explosive rookie WR Xavier Worthy further limits options. Brady believes Andy Reid’s staff must adjust quickly to protect Mahomes and sustain drives against Philadelphia’s deep front.
Defense is also under the microscope. Philadelphia’s offense, now powered by Jalen Hurts and Saquon Barkley, enters Sunday ranked among the league’s most efficient after a 24-20 win over Dallas. Brady highlighted that Kansas City must be disciplined in coverage, especially against A.J. Brown.
_“Just start with feeding him, less than force feeding him, it’s important always to get your best player involved, certainly passing him early,” Brady noted, predicting Brown would see touches on the opening series._
With kickoff at 4:25 p.m. EST, Kansas City’s home opener has become more than a rematch narrative. It’s an early-season test of whether the Chiefs can respond to adversity and reclaim control of their AFC West title defense, precisely the urgency Tom Brady says they must embrace.