On Sunday, February 9, the Kansas City Chiefs had the chance to make NFL history by winning a third consecutive Super Bowl; however, the Philadelphia Eagles were victorious over the Chiefs in a landslide 40-22 win. 

This ultimate rematch was set up a few weeks prior following the Chiefs’ win over the Buffalo Bills and the Eagles’ win over the Washington Commanders. These two teams both know what it’s like to be on the big stage, having faced each other in Super Bowl in 2023. The Chiefs won that game 38-35, continuing their incredible success in the playoffs. 

From the start of the first quarter in Sunday’s matchup, the Eagles led the entire game, never showing a sign of slowing down. Heading into halftime, the Eagles scored 24 points, giving quarterback Jalen Hurts a comfortable lead into the second half. Hurts played an incredible game, winning the Super Bowl MVP title and driving his team into the end zone time and time again. On the other team, Patrick Mahomes struggled significantly. The Chiefs’ offense only managed 23 yards in the first half, which is the fewest in a Super Bowl since 2000. Not only could Mahomes not move the ball, but he gave up a couple interceptions, including a pick-six to rookie cornerback Cooper DeJean.

While Mahomes struggled, the Eagles’ defense was on point all night. On top of two interceptions, the defense sacked Mahomes six times throughout the game, causing many of the Chiefs’ drives to result in punt returns. With the ruthless pressure the defense put on Mahomes and the quietness of the Chiefs’ offense, the Eagles played their game with a comfortable lead throughout.

When both teams retreated to their locker rooms during halftime, Kendrick Lamar took center stage. Performing at the Super Bowl for the second time (his first performance occurred in 2022), Lamar’s fairly simplistic show was a huge success. All dancers wore red, white, and blue, which created the effect that they were buttons on a video game console. Several guest stars joined Lamar on stage.  Actor Samuel L. Jackson made a cameo by portraying Uncle Sam and narrating the halftime show. Guest performer SZA sang “Luther” and “All the Stars.” Tennis icon Serena Williams was also seen dancing toward the end of the show.

The final song Lamar performed was his Grammy-winning diss track “Not Like Us.” Released in 2024, it was a response to Drake’s diss track “Push Ups,” which poked fun at Lamar and several others, such as Rick Ross and the Weeknd. While it was extremely controversial as to whether Lamar would perform this song, he teased it throughout the show before finally singing it at the end. Not only did he give fans what they wanted, but he was not shy to mention Drake’s name while looking directly at the camera. The entire stadium was filled with energy, screaming the lyrics back at Lamar as he ended his halftime show.

While the Chiefs finally scored in the second half, Travis Kelce failed to catch a 2-point conversion pass late in the third quarter, resulting in a 34-6 lead by the Eagles heading into the final quarter.  The Eagles also scored two more touchdowns in the fourth quarter, solidifying their dominance on the field.

The Chiefs had the opportunity to make history and become the first NFL team to win three consecutive Super Bowl titles, but the Eagles came to play and win. Both teams had outstanding seasons to get them to the championship, and we can expect great things from both teams moving forward. This NFL rivalry is one for the history books.