Well, isn't this supposed to be how these things work out? Super Bowl LIX features the two best teams that pro football has to offer. The AFC's best tackles the top team from the NFC. Philadelphia Eagles vs, Kansas City Chiefs... There's one goal for both sides. Only one franchise can obtain it. There's a Vince Lombardi Trophy on the line.
To achieve their spot on the mountaintop, the winning team must conquer the toughest opponent they have faced all season, but we'll repeat. Isn't that what we'd all like to see happen? Isn't that supposed to be how it works out?
If the Eagles are to win Super Bowl LIX, they'll need to solve the Chris Jones riddle.
Super Bowl LIX features two monster squads with monsters all over their respective rosters. This isn't just a chess match between great coaching minds. It's a battle littered with key individual matchups. Then, there's the Chris Jones angle. He's someone Philly has to account for at all times.
For the uninformed, he's their answer to Jalen Carter.
Hardcore NFL fans don't need an introduction to the six-time Pro Bowler. He's been named a First-Team All-Pro three times (2022-2024). He's been named a Second-Team All-Pro on three other occasions (2018, 2020, 2021). He's a defensive tackle by trade who stands at six-foot-six and tips the scales at 310 pounds.
That would mean limiting him is the responsibility of Cam Jurgens, Landon Dickerson, and Mekhi Becton. Or, at least that's what you would think. Philly can't rule out the possibility of some one-on-one tussles with Lane Johnson and Jordan Mailata.
According to Pro Football Focus, this season he played 129 snaps at the left defensive tackle position. He played another 186 at defensive tackle on the right side of the formation. He played
104 snaps on the right as a defensive end. Another 198 snaps were played as a left defensive end.
We have no way of verifying this until we see the game and witness Steve Spagnuolo's game plan for ourselves, but we'd imagine he'd empty the tank and use Jones in as many defensive looks as possible.
Though we're predicting an Eagles upset win (Kansas City is favored), we also realize if Jones is allowed to go off, Philly's chances at winning lessen. We'll take our chances though. We trust the Birds' O-line. Philadelphia is as good as teams can be at every position.
The left tackle, Jordan Mailata, is a powerhouse and this season was named as a Second-Team All-Pro for the first time in his career. Landon Dickerson is a three-time Pro Bowler. Cam Jurgens was named to his first Pro Bowl roster in his first full season as a starter.
Landon and Cam are coming off an NFC Championship legacy game. They gutted it out through injury and should be well-rested and healthy by Super Bowl Sunday. Mekhi Becton didn't receive any postseason honors, but he would have had he played similarly on another roster.
Lane Johnson needs no introduction. He was named a Pro Bowler AND a Second-Team All-Pro this season. That is his sixth Pro Bowl mention and fifth All-Pro nod (two as a first-teamer and three as a second-teamer). We think he deserved to be named as a First-Team mention. Some of his teammates and coaches agree with that sentiment.
The good news is Lane has already stated he won't retire after this season. That's a conversation for another day though. First things first. He's part of an O-line looking to stop Chris Jones and two talented pass rushers in George Karlaftis and Felix Anudike-Uzomah among others.