The Eagles Defense Was the True MVP of Super Bowl LVII

When discussing the Philadelphia Eagles’ dominant 2022 season and their Super Bowl LVII appearance, much of the narrative revolves around quarterback Jalen Hurts’ breakout year. However, a closer examination reveals that the Eagles’ historic defense was the real driving force behind their success—so much so that they could have won the Super Bowl with a tackle dummy at quarterback.

While Hurts played well in the regular season and had moments of brilliance in the Super Bowl, the Eagles defense was the true backbone of the team. Their suffocating performance in the NFC Championship against the 49ers and their near-flawless first half against the Chiefs in the Super Bowl proved that defense wins championships.

This piece will break down exactly why the Eagles defense was the real MVP of Super Bowl LVII, examining:

• The historic dominance of the Eagles defense in 2022

• Their suffocating Super Bowl performance (including allowing just 23 first-half yards and keeping Mahomes out of Eagles territory until the 3rd quarter)

• How their turnovers directly decided the game (17 points off takeaways)

• Why Jalen Hurts’ performance, while good, wasn’t the difference-maker

• Comparisons to other all-time great defenses (2000 Ravens, 2013 Seahawks, 1985 Bears)

• How the Chiefs adjusted (and how the Eagles’ defensive collapse in the 2nd half wasn’t on the defense alone)

By the end, it will be clear: The Eagles defense was so dominant that they could have won with a practice squad QB.

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1. The Eagles Defense Was Historically Great in 2022

Before even reaching the Super Bowl, the Eagles defense established itself as one of the best units of the past decade. Key stats from the regular season:

• #1 in sacks (70) – An NFL record for a regular season

• #2 in points allowed per game (18.5)

• #1 in pass defense (179.8 yards/game)

• #3 in takeaways (27)

They were elite at every level:

• Defensive line: Haason Reddick (16 sacks), Brandon Graham (11 sacks), Javon Hargrave (11 sacks), Fletcher Cox, and Josh Sweat formed the most ferocious pass rush in football.

• Linebackers: T.J. Edwards and Kyzir White were underrated but crucial in run defense and coverage.

• Secondary: Darius Slay and James Bradberry were lockdown corners, while C.J. Gardner-Johnson tied for the league lead in INTs (6).

This unit demolished elite offenses:

• 38-7 over Vikings (Kirk Cousins sacked 4 times, 2 INTs)

• 26-17 over Cowboys (Dak Prescott sacked 6 times, 2 INTs)

• 31-7 over 49ers in NFC Championship (Brock Purdy injured, but defense allowed just 164 total yards)

Their playoff run was a masterclass in defensive dominance, and the Super Bowl was no different—at least in the first half.

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2. The Eagles Defense Dominated the Super Bowl’s First Half

The Eagles defense didn’t just show up in the Super Bowl—they completely erased the Chiefs’ offense for 30 minutes.

First-Half Stats:

• Chiefs total yards: 23

• Chiefs first downs: 1

• Chiefs time of possession: 9:15

• Chiefs didn’t cross the 50-yard line until the 3rd quarter

Patrick Mahomes, the league MVP and best quarterback in football, looked helpless. The Eagles’ pass rush was in his face constantly, and the secondary gave zero separation.

Key Plays:

• 3rd & 10, 1st quarter: Mahomes sacked by Reddick (-7 yards)

• Chiefs’ second drive: Three-and-out, Mahomes incomplete under pressure

• Chiefs’ third drive: Three-and-out, Mahomes sacked again

The Eagles’ offense, meanwhile, was struggling (only 14 first-half points despite multiple short fields). If not for the defense, this game could have been 10-0 Chiefs at halftime.

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3. The Defense Created 17 Points Off Turnovers

The Eagles’ offense didn’t have to do much because the defense handed them scoring opportunities.

Chiefs Turnovers Leading to Eagles Points:

1. Mahomes fumble (forced by Reddick, recovered by Edwards) → Eagles FG (10-7 lead)

2. Kadarius Toney muffed punt (recovered by Boston Scott) → Eagles TD (21-14 lead)

3. Mahomes interception (by Bradberry) → Eagles FG (24-14 lead)

17 of the Eagles’ 35 points came directly from turnovers. Without these, the game is a blowout in Kansas City’s favor.

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4. Jalen Hurts Was Good, But Not the Reason They Almost Won

Jalen Hurts had a strong statistical game (304 pass yards, 70 rush yards, 4 TDs), but his two critical mistakes nearly cost the Eagles the game:

1. Fumble returned for a TD (tied game 14-14)

2. Failed QB sneak on 4th & 1 (gave Chiefs the ball in FG range, leading to go-ahead score)

Meanwhile, the defense:

• Held Mahomes to 17 points on non-turnover drives

• Gave Hurts multiple short fields

• Kept the game close despite Hurts’ errors

If the Eagles had an average defense, Hurts’ mistakes would have led to a 38-21 loss.

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5. The Second-Half Collapse Wasn’t Just on the Defense

The Chiefs adjusted in the second half, scoring 24 points, but this wasn’t solely the defense’s fault:

• Fatigue set in (Eagles offense had multiple 3-and-outs)

• Mahomes made miraculous plays (ankle injury and all)

• Coaching adjustments (Andy Reid exploited soft zones)

Even then, the defense still got a late stop (forcing a Chiefs FG instead of a TD), giving Hurts a chance to tie the game.

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The Defense Was the Real MVP

The Eagles’ 2022 defense was one of the best of the modern era, and their Super Bowl performance proved it. They:

• Shut down Mahomes for a half

• Generated 17 points off turnovers

• Masked Hurts’ mistakes

While Hurts was excellent, the defense was so dominant that they could have won with a far worse QB.

The Eagles defense was the true MVP of Super Bowl LVII—not Jalen Hurts, not Patrick Mahomes. If not for a few late breaks, they’d be remembered alongside the ’85 Bears and 2000 Ravens as one of the greatest defenses to ever win a title.