The Kansas City Chiefs entered Super Bowl LIX with a chance to make history. A third straight championship was on the line. But what happened in New Orleans was far from a celebration. The Philadelphia Eagles took control early and never let up, handing the Chiefs a 40-22 loss that ended their quest for a three-peat.
After the game, former Chiefs safety Justin Reid opened up about what went wrong.
Justin Reid Recalls How the Eagles Took Over Super Bowl LIX
Reid joined the “Ross Tucker Podcast” and didn’t hold back when talking about the loss.
“Yeah, you know, I think that the Eagles overall were just dominant. They’re just the more dominant team,” Reid said.
“I think that the Eagles overall were just dominant…they’re just the more dominant team…”@justinqreid reflects on the Chiefs’ Super Bowl LIX loss to the Eagles: pic.twitter.com/r4Q5iiRbqG
— Ross Tucker Podcast (@RossTuckerPod) June 7, 2025
Reid pointed out how Kansas City couldn’t adjust to what the Eagles were doing defensively. Their four-man rush consistently got home, while the secondary dropped seven into coverage and closed off passing lanes.
“I think that them, the Eagles being able to create pressure with the four-man rush and drop seven every time and cloud up all the zones and still create all that pressure on Patrick (Mahomes) was just really, really difficult,” Reid said.
The Eagles’ defensive line dominated without sending extra rushers. They sacked Mahomes six times, and their ability to pressure without blitzing meant they could cover more ground in the secondary. It was a defensive game plan that worked to perfection.
Chiefs’ Protection Issues Come Back to Haunt Them
Reid’s comments matched what fans and analysts saw on the field. Mahomes never looked comfortable. The Eagles rattled him early, and that threw off the timing of Kansas City’s offense. Mahomes missed on throws he usually makes and didn’t have time to settle into a rhythm.
It wasn’t all on Mahomes. The Chiefs’ offensive line, which had been shaky all season, finally broke. Philadelphia’s front exposed every weak link. Kansas City had to move Joe Thuney to tackle, a patch job that didn’t hold up against the Eagles’ edge rushers. The protection schemes couldn’t hold, and the offense never recovered.
On defense, the Chiefs didn’t have any answers either. Jalen Hurts stayed clean in the pocket, rarely facing pressure. That gave him time to pick apart Steve Spagnuolo’s defense. When the Chiefs blitzed, Hurts took advantage. When they didn’t, he still had plenty of time to make plays.
The Eagles were sharp from the opening whistle, especially on defense. Coordinator Vic Fangio’s plan was simple but effective. He used Cooper DeJean to challenge Travis Kelce, dropped Reed Blankenship as a robber, and forced the Chiefs to adjust all night. They never could.
“They came in firing and they stepped on the gas early in the game and they never took it off,” Reid said. The Chiefs, he admitted, “just didn’t show up the way that we needed to that day.”
Eagles Outplayed Chiefs in Every Phase
This Super Bowl wasn’t just a loss — it was a reminder of how important the trenches are. The Eagles won on both sides of the ball. Their offensive line protected Hurts. Their defensive line overwhelmed Mahomes. Kansas City, usually known for its resilience, never found a foothold.
Reid’s honest reflection cut through the noise. The better team won. And on that Sunday in New Orleans, the gap wasn’t close.