Sometimes, you just know you're staring at a future Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee while they're still playing. We felt that way about Fletcher Cox. As their careers continued, we learned that in the back half of Jason Kelce and Lane Johnson's careers. And, yes, on Super Bowl Sunday, guys who will no doubt land in Canton, Ohio will be staring back at the Eagles from the Kansas City Chiefs' sideline.
The further we travel from Andy Reid's 14-year tenure in the City of Brotherly Love, it becomes clearer that he's a Chief. His Birds tenure is simply a footnote in his story. It's funny to say that when we're discussing the winningest coach in Eagles history.
You know what? We can live with that. You have no idea how ready we are for Super Bowl Sunday. The Chiefs are mostly known for offense and their stars on that side of the ball, but they play a little defense too.
They're led by a former Eagles assistant Steve Spagnuolo. He likes to bring the blitz, so Jalen Hurts had better know his hot reads. He had also better keep his head on a swivel and keep tabs on Chris Jones.
Also read: NFL insider believes Eagles will likely lose Kellen Moore after Super Bowl LIX
Chris Jones isn't the only Chiefs defender the Eagles had better be wary of.
As much as we love discussing Reid, Patrick Mahomes, and Travis Kelce, the Chiefs have some talent on the defensive side of the ball as well.
Chris Jones is another of those future HOFers we could mention, but as good as he is, he isn't the lone Kansas City defender the Birds will discuss in meetings.
Nick Bolton, linebacker
Nick Bolton produced K.C.'s highest number of tackles during the regular season (106) and also collected an interception, forced fumble, and three sacks. He's been around the ball during the postseason as well, notching 11 tackles already.
George Karlaftis and Felix Anudike-Uzomah, EDGE
George Karlaftis and Felix Anudike-Uzomah are two young edge rushers you've enjoyed watching already if you're a die-hard football fan. They have combined for four sacks so far during the postseason.
Tershawn Wharton, defensive tackle
Tershawn Wharton is one of those smaller defensive tackles by NFL standards who can bend and find their way to the opposing quarterback. He notched 6.5 sacks during the regular season and has already added two more during the playoffs.
Sure, he probably benefits from playing beside Jones, but make no mistake about it, Wharton can bend and get to the signal-caller too. The interior of Philly's offensive line will earn their money in this one.
We hope Landon Dickerson and Cam Jurgens are healthy.
Drue Tranquill, linebacker
Another of Andy Reid's linebackers... When did Big Red begin valuing the position so much? But, hey... He's tied for the Chiefs lead in tackles with safety Chamarri Conner.
Tranquill also has one forced fumble on his resume after failing to force any during the regular season. Watch him on the blitz. He already has two sacks on his resume this offseason.
Justin Reid, safety
One of the better safeties in the NFL who sometimes gets overshadowed on a team with so many good players. Reid can affect the game in a number of ways.
He isn't going to snag a ton of interceptions. He hasn't grabbed more than two since his rookie season in 2018, but he's a sure tackler who collected 87 during the regular season and 12 more during the Chiefs' first two games of the postseason.
Worth mentioning: Trent McDuffie
Pay attention to this cornerback. He isn't a Second-Team All-Pro for no reason. Trent McDuffie will have his hands full with the Eagles receivers, but they won't enjoy a walk in the park too.
Verdict: Kansas City's defense is good enough to give the Birds fits, but position for position and matchup for matchup, Philly is better. We expect an Eagles win.