NEW ORLEANS — The upcoming Super Bowl clash between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Kansas City Chiefs is teeming with talent.
Star players like Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce have gained significant recognition in the NFL due to their exceptional performances and numerous commercial appearances, not to mention the additional attention from Kelce’s pop star partner. The Chiefs have carved out a strong identity in the league, showcasing a formidable presence thanks to their recent championship successes.
On the other side, the Eagles have consistently stayed competitive, boasting a roster filled with high-profile athletes such as Saquon Barkley, Jalen Hurts, and A.J. Brown who have garnered much media coverage.
However, as history suggests, it’s often the lesser-known players who can play pivotal roles in the Super Bowl. For instance, last year saw Mecole Hardman catch a decisive touchdown in overtime against San Francisco, while Kadarius Toney made crucial contributions during Kansas City’s victory over Philadelphia two years ago with a touchdown catch and a lengthy punt return.
Over the years, the Super Bowl has been highlighted by unexpected MVPs and memorable plays from less prominent names. Legends from the past include players like Larry Brown, Dexter Jackson, and Malcolm Smith who took home MVP honors despite not being household names. Additionally, notable moments include Jack Squirek’s interception return for a touchdown and Timmy Smith’s record-setting performance on the ground.
As we look ahead to Sunday’s game, several players might emerge as key contributors:
**Philadelphia DT Milton Williams**
While Jalen Carter often gets the spotlight on Philadelphia’s defensive line, Williams has been impressive in his fourth NFL season. Anticipated to face Kansas City’s more vulnerable offensive lineman, Williams recorded a career-best five sacks during the regular season and has continued his strong play into the playoffs, as recognized by Pro Football Focus.
**Kansas City DE Michael Danna**
As Chris Jones stands out on the Chiefs’ defensive line, Danna is also poised to make an impact. His performance in the AFC Championship against Buffalo was particularly noteworthy, demonstrating his effectiveness with five pressures on the quarterback. Danna’s ability to disrupt plays could be crucial for Kansas City as they attempt to stifle the Eagles’ offensive capabilities.
**Philadelphia RB Kenneth Gainwell**
While defenses are primarily focused on Barkley, this distraction could allow Gainwell to shine. In past playoff outings, he has demonstrated his capability, rushing for 181 yards across three games and showcasing his talents with a significant kickoff return. Gainwell might take inspiration from Corey Clement’s surprise performance in Super Bowl 52, where he excelled despite limited expectations.
**Kansas City S Chamarri Conner**
This second-year safety has proven his value with nine tackles and a forced fumble during the AFC Championship. His role will be vital in limiting Barkley’s big plays, especially given his impressive stop rate against the run, which ranks as the best among defensive backs. Conner has also shown promise as a blitzer, making him an asset on defensive plays.
**Philadelphia S Reed Blankenship**
Blankenship has already made a mark in the playoffs with 24 tackles and notable contributions like a forced fumble and a fumble recovery. His ability to create game-changing plays is evident, highlighted by four interceptions during the regular season, three of which came in crucial moments of tight games.
**Kansas City TE Noah Gray**
With defenses primarily focusing on Kelce, Gray has utilized this to carve out a niche for himself in the Chiefs’ offense. After posting career-highs in multiple statistical categories this season, Gray could once again become a critical player, particularly in red zone situations as defenses attempt to limit Kelce’s impact.
As both teams prepare for the big game, it will be interesting to see which unsung heroes step forward to make memorable plays in this year’s Super Bowl.
