Error code: %{errorCode}
Five unsung Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles stars that could decide Super Bowl LIX
Everyone with even a passing interest in the sport knows that Patrick Mahomes is a generational talent, while his Chiefs teammate Travis Kelce has transcended the gridiron, thanks to his relationship with Taylor Swift.
The Eagles have Saquon Barkley coming off the back of one of the greatest-ever seasons by a running back in NFL history, plus one of the game’s most effective dual-threat quarterbacks in Jalen Hurts.
But American football is perhaps the ultimate team sport, with 53 players on a gameday roster, all of whom need to be ready to contribute at a moments notice. DAZN News takes a look at some of the under-the-radar players who could end up making all of the difference this weekend.
Dallas Goedert - Philadelphia Eagles tight end
Eagles tight end battled hamstring and knee injuries during the regular season, putting up fairly unremarkable numbers during his nine games played, as the likes of Barkley, Hurts and A.J. Brown took the offensive plaudits.
But with 15 catches for 188 yards and a touchdown across the Eagles three playoff wins, he appears to be coming to boil nicely. Eagles offensive coordinator Kellen Moore will be aware that one of the Chiefs main defensive weaknesses is defending against tight ends, which opens the door for Goedert to be a difference maker.
Charles Omenihu - Kansas City Chiefs defensive end
For a couple of years now the Chiefs defense has arguably been more critical to their continued success than the offense and while tackle Chris Jones - quite rightly - takes the plaudits as that unit’s leader, Charles Omenihu has become one of the team’s most underrated players.
As well as providing regular pressure on opposing quarterbacks and being key in stuffing the run, Omenihu also has the knack of delivering the goods at the perfect time, such as the Josh Allen pass he swatted down in the fourth quarter of the AFC Championship game win over the Buffalo Bills.
George Karlaftis - Kansas City Chiefs defensive end
If the Chiefs are to win their third straight Lombardi, then they cannot let the Eagles run game flourish, and that means stopping not only Barkley, but also ensuring Hurts is not allowed to make plays with his legs.
Greek defensive end George Karlaftis has enjoyed another stellar season and has the speed and power to shackle Hurts and assist in shutting down Barkley.
Joe Thuney - Kansas City Chiefs offensive lineman
Chiefs lineman Joe Thuney is not the type to seek out the limelight, but the 32-year-old is as important as ever as he prepares for his sixth Super Bowl.
Already the owner of four rings (two with the New England Patriots and two with the Chiefs), Thuney is a coach’s dream, a player who puts the team first, works hard and more often than not delivers.
Thuney moved over from guard to left tackle towards the end of the regular season and will be tasked with stopping Jalen Carter and the ferocious Eagles defensive front on Sunday. He did not allow a single quarterback pressure in the win over the Bills last time out and a repeat performance will nullify one of the Eagles’ big threats and bring the Chiefs a big step closer to their three-peat.
Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean - Philadelphia Eagles cornerbacks
GettyImages
The Eagles opted to select cornerbacks with their first two selections in last year’s draft and, boy, did that move pay off. Mitchell is up for the Defensive Rookie of the Year award following an outstanding season, while his fellow rookie DeJean has been another key contributor.
With Chiefs rookie Xavier Worthy emerging as a bone-fida deep threat for Mahomes, the Eagles secondary will have to be at their best and these two young corners have be able to deal with everything thrown at them so far this season.
Watch Super Bowl LIX live on DAZN for just £0.99
One of sport's greatest occasions is with us, Super Bowl LIX, as Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles go at it once again, in a repeat of the 2023 NFL showpiece.
Watch the Super Bowl live and in full on DAZN for just £0.99 / $0.99 (check price in your country here).
Click here for more details and to buy.
