Eagles Dominate Chiefs, Hand Ravens Lessons for Next Season

NEW ORLEANS — In a stunning display of dominance, the Philadelphia Eagles overwhelmed the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX on Sunday night, ending their hopes for a historic three-peat. The Eagles’ defense executed a flawless performance, underscoring lessons for the Baltimore Ravens as they prepare for the offseason.

The Ravens concluded their season watchfully from home after a disappointing playoff exit. Despite their strong regular-season performance, Baltimore’s playoff shortcomings raise questions about crucial areas that need improvement for next season. As the Ravens start looking towards the next Super Bowl, several key takeaways emerge from the latest championship game.

Quarterback Lamar Jackson has faced challenges during his playoff appearances since taking the starting role in 2019. In seven playoff starts, the Ravens’ defense has generated only one turnover, revealing a stark contrast with the Eagles, who recorded two turnovers in a critical span during the game. Despite the concern over their postseason performance, statistics highlight the Ravens’ regular-season strength. Baltimore ranked fourth in the NFL for combined turnover margin, with a plus-32 rating, having generated 95 takeaways.

However, the Ravens’ struggles in the playoffs tell another story. Over the last four postseasons, they recorded the worst turnover margin in the league at minus-10. They recorded only one takeaway while giving away the ball 11 times, resulting in a negative expected points added (EPA) of minus-58.6.

“Turnovers play a factor. Penalties play a factor,” Jackson stated after their playoff loss against the Buffalo Bills last month, referencing the turnovers that plagued Baltimore’s chances. “We can’t have that… we’re moving the ball wonderfully. It’s just, hold on to the ball.”

At halftime of the Super Bowl, the Eagles recorded three sacks and an impressive 47% pressure rate. By the game’s conclusion, they tallied six sacks—a performance indicative of their strong defensive capabilities. The Eagles’ four-man pass rush proved effective, contesting Kansas City’s offensive unit without any blitzing.

The Ravens boast talent in their pass rush, ranking second in the NFL with 54 sacks this season. Yet their performance metrics reveal a need for improvement in generating pressure without blitzing, ranking only 19th in pressure rate.

A potent four-man pass rush is not always essential for Super Bowl success, as demonstrated by the Chiefs’ back-to-back championships. However, defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo’s ability to create unblocked pressure with simulated blitzes has proven beneficial. The Ravens might look to replicate the Eagles’ draft savvy as they build their pass rush.

Philadelphia’s success in the trenches highlights critical draft strategies. The Eagles’ pass rush includes effective players drafted in the later rounds, such as outside linebacker Josh Sweat and defensive lineman Milton Williams. Their cumulative salary cap impact is significantly low for the production they provide, contrasting with Baltimore’s current defensive line situation.

The Ravens have encountered challenges in maintaining a strong defensive lineup. While players like Kyle Van Noy and Odafe Oweh have shown great promise, others have struggled to produce significant numbers. Recent draft picks, including Travis Jones and David Ojabo, will need to contribute more effectively in upcoming seasons.

As the actual Super Bowl finale unfolded, the Chiefs exhibited that even an incomplete team, boasting star player Patrick Mahomes, could still struggle against formidable opponents like the Eagles. Kansas City’s victories, built on offensive stars and consistent coaching, serve as a reminder that a well-rounded team is the key to success.

The Ravens, now focused on their future, must confront challenges surrounding their existing roster, including two critical free-agent slots on the offensive line. Their performance in the upcoming draft will be pivotal for bolstering their capabilities against a robust AFC.

Even as Baltimore prepares for off-season changes, there is hope that competitor teams, including the Cincinnati Bengals and Houston Texans, will rise to the challenge, increasing the overall competition in the AFC. For now, the Ravens must learn from the recent Super Bowl’s lessons and progress towards a stronger showing in the next season.

Jonas Shaffer is a Ravens beat writer for The Baltimore Banner, having previously covered the team for The Baltimore Sun. Shaffer graduated from the University of Maryland and is a Silver Spring native.