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Kansas City Chiefs vs Philadelphia Eagles: Super Bowl LIX defensive position groups compared
The countdown to Super Bowl LIX is on, and tension is mounting as two of the NFL's most talented teams prepare to compete.
As fans and experts speculate about the winner between the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles, the conversation has often focused on the star players of both teams.
While Chris Jones and Jalen Carter dominate discussions surrounding each team's defense, the vital contributions of the other defensive players can sometimes get overlooked.
In this article, DAZN News compares the defensive position groups of both teams to determine which has the edge.
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Defensive tackle
Chiefs: Chris Jones, Tershawn Wharton, Mike Pennel, Derrick Nnandi
Eagles: Jalen Carter, Milton Williams, Moro Ojomo, Jordan Davis
Chris Jones is undeniably one of the most talented pass rushers in the NFL. Although his sack totals dipped in 2024, he remains the most disruptive force on the Chiefs' defensive line.
Behind Jones, the Chiefs employ a heavy rotation comprising Wharton, Pennel, and Nnandi on the defensive interior. Wharton has been the most productive season of that trio, but his role has diminished during the playoffs.
While not yet on Jones' level, Eagles' sophomore Jalen Carter has the potential to become one of the best defensive tackles in the league.
Carter's two-sack performance against the Los Angeles Rams in the Divisional Round offered a glimpse into his ability to impact a game. The Eagles hope he overcomes his illness before Sunday.
Milton Williams' production has declined recently, but he still provides the Eagles with quality depth at defensive tackle.
Edge: Chiefs. Williams is superior to any of the players the Chiefs rotate behind Jones, but Jones is still better than Carter.
Defensive end
Chiefs: George Karlaftis, Mike Danna, Charles Omenihu, Felix Anudike-Uzomah.
Eagles: Josh Sweat, Nolan Smith, Jalyx Hunt, Bryce Huff, Brandon Graham
George Karlaftis is the most accomplished of the Chiefs' edge defenders. While not considered among the league's elite, he often raises his level of performance in the postseason.
Nolan Smith has enjoyed somewhat of a breakout year, and Josh Sweat remains a steady if unspectacular presence on the opposite edge of the Eagles' defensive line.
Graham suffered a tricep injury in Week 12 and hasn't played since, but he is attempting to return for Super Bowl LIX.
Edge: Eagles. There isn't a lot of talent behind Karlaftis, while the Eagles boast two above-average edge defenders.
Linebacker
Chiefs: Nick Bolton, Drue Tranquill, Leo Chenal
Eagles: Zack Baun, Oren Burks, Jeremiah Trotter Jr., Nicholas Morrow
Bolton hasn't replicated the success he enjoyed in 2022, but as one of two captains for the Chiefs' defense, he will be integral to the Chiefs' plans to halt the Eagles' offense.
Veteran Tranquill won't play every down, but he is arguably the Chiefs' best coverage linebacker.
Chenal is an underappreciated player who excels in run defense and could be key to helping the Chiefs contain the Eagles' ground game.
Baun is one of the surprise stories of the 2024 season. In his first year with the Eagles, the former edge defender has become one of the elite off-ball linebackers, producing several big plays that have propelled the Eagles to postseason success.
Oren Burks has stepped into the role left vacant by the injured Nakobe Dean and has acquitted himself well.
Edge: Eagles. The Chiefs have greater depth, but Baun is far superior to any of the Chiefs' three linebackers.
Safety
Chiefs: Justin Reid, Jaden Hicks, Bryan Cook
Eagles: Reed Blankenship, C.J. Gardner-Johnson, Sydney Brown
In 2024, Reid has reestablished himself as an asset in pass coverage and has missed fewer tackles than he did in the past six seasons.
Hicks played well toward the end of his rookie year and has taken over some of Cook's role, but the two players will both feature.
Blankenship has missed more tackles in 2024 but remains an above-average safety in all other respects.
Gardner-Johnson is a talented, aggressive player and has produced several big plays in coverage in 2024.
Edge: Draw. The Eagles' safeties produce more big plays, but the Chiefs' group miss fewer tackles.
Cornerback
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Chiefs: Trent McDuffie, Chamarri Conner, Jaylen Watson, Nazeeh Johnson
Eagles: Darius Slay, Quinyon Mitchell, Cooper DeJean, Isaiah Rodgers
McDuffie is an elite player capable of locking down the best receivers in the league.
The drop-off from McDuffie is steep. Conner and Watson have enjoyed bright moments but are too inconsistent.
Pairing a savvy veteran like Slay with a young talent like Mitchell has paid dividends for the Eagles. No other cornerback duo in the league has accounted for more pass breakups in 2024.
The addition of Mitchell and slot cornerback DeJean has overhauled the Eagles' secondary, taking them from one of the worst in 2023 to one of the best this season.
Edge: Eagles. Neither Slay, Mitchell, nor DeJean are on McDuffie's level, but collectively, they provide the Eagles with the edge.
Conclusion
The Eagles outscored the Chiefs by three categories to one, with one draw.
Nevertheless, as talented as the young Eagles' defense is, the Chiefs have the edge in veteran leadership, and it will be interesting to see how much that plays a role in such a high-stakes game.
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