Can reigning Super Bowl teams flip the switch? Evaluating Chiefs’ and Eagles’ downfalls, chances to make run

Almost a year ago, the Chiefs beat the Eagles 38-35 in a thrilling Super Bowl after both teams captured the one seed in their respective conferences. They were the two best teams in the league and both worthy of winning a championship, but a year later, both limped into the postseason. The Chiefs were 2-3 in Patrick Mahomes’ final five starts, while the Eagles were 1-5 in their last six games. Kansas City had its worst season on offense in the Mahomes era after Eric Bieniemy left, coupled with an inexperienced, mistake-prone WR room. Philadelphia lost both its coordinators this offseason and made a late-season change, giving Matt Patricia the reins to a defensive unit that finished 30th in points allowed.

The panic meter may be high in both cities, and for good reason. Only three teams since the merger have won a Super Bowl after having a losing record in the month of December, and none since the Ravens in 2012 (also the 1997 Broncos and 2006 Colts). 

However, both could still flip the switch. They are still two of the most talented teams in the NFL and are generally healthy (we’ll see about Jalen Hurts and A.J. Brown).

There may not be a ton of historical precedent for teams struggling in December winning it all, but plenty of recent Super Bowl champions overcame adversity:

The 2005 Steelers were the first six seed to win a Super BowlThe 2006 Colts went 3-4 in their final seven games, including back-to-back losses where they were gashed for nearly 600 total rush yardsThe 2009 Saints lost their final three games after a 13-0 startThe 2010 Packers were the second six seed to win a Super Bowl and were 3-3 in their final six gamesThe 2011 Giants were 1-5 in a six-game span while finishing with a negative point differential and 9-7 recordThe 2012 Ravens were 1-4 in DecemberThe 2015 Broncos won when Peyton Manning had nine touchdowns and 17 interceptions for the year and didn’t start the…


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Author : Douglas Clawson

Publish date : 2024-01-12 19:18:57

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