By Annie Renz
The Philadelphia Eagles denied the Kansas City Chiefs a historic “three-peat” Super Bowl victory last night, instead making history of their own: a second Super Bowl title for Philadelphia.
The teams met for the second time in just three seasons at football’s biggest stage. Unlike the last match, the Eagles came away with a definitive victory.
The game began with two controversial flag calls that went in favor of both teams. On the Eagles’ first drive, there was a flag against Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown on the fourth down for offensive pass interference. Later in the first quarter, Kansas City defender Trent McDuffie was called for unnecessary roughness.
Commentators and fan reactions had much to say about these two early questionable calls. One commentator said he believed the referees were “0-2” to start the game.
It only took three plays after the call against the Chiefs for the Eagles to begin their dominating first-half run.
Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts commanded the first half. The QB threw for one touchdown and had one rush, while rookie Cooper DeJean had a 38-yard interception.
With kicker Jake Elliot’s field goal and three kicks, the Eagles went into the second half with a 24-0 lead over the Chiefs.
The highly anticipated halftime show, performed by Kendrick Lamar, sparked mixed reviews online regarding the political messages in the show as well as a dramatic cameo appearance from Serena Williams dancing to Lamar’s Grammy-winning song, “Not Like Us”.
The rapper was joined on stage by SZA, DJ Mustard, and Samuel L. Jackson, who narrated throughout the show under the name “Uncle Sam”.
The Chiefs finally got on the scoreboard late in the third quarter. Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes threw a 24-yard pass to wide receiver Xavier Worthy.
The Chiefs scored two more touchdowns late in the fourth quarter from wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins (7-yard pass) and another for Xavier Worthy (50-yard pass).
These late touchdowns were not enough to catch up to the Eagles, as Hurts threw a 46-yard pass to wide receiver Devonta Smith for another touchdown, and Elliot converted two more field goals.
The Eagles were crowned Super Bowl LIX champions with a resounding 40-22 victory over the Chiefs.
Students’ reactions after the game agreed that the Eagles’ mentality and defense stunned the reigning Super Bowl champions.
“I thought the game was alright. I think the Chiefs underestimated their opponents mentally and physically. The Eagles deserved to win at the end of the day,” said Frankie Melendez.
Katie Farr said, “The Eagles had great defense. Defense wins championships, I guess.”
“[The Chiefs] relied too much on their experience and they were poorly game planned. They just weren’t ready, the lights were too bright,” said Gavin Houghton.
“Undisputed champions. Hopefully they grease the poles in Philadelphia,” said Eagles superfan Kira Pomrinke.
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