The Philadelphia Eagles got their revenge against the Kansas City Chiefs with a dominant 40-22 victory in Super Bowl LIX. Eagles star quarterback Jalen Hurts was rightfully named Super Bowl MVP, yet so many other players had a major impact on the outcome of Philadelphia’s unforgettable win.
Eagles general manager Howie Roseman worked diligently over the last several years to craft one of the most talented rosters in NFL history. While everyone is well aware of all of the star power on Philadelphia’s roster, several unheralded players stepped up on the NFL’s biggest stage. Here are five unsung heroes for the Eagles from Super Bowl LIX.
Jalyx Hunt
When the Eagles selected Jalyx Hunt in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft, there were some that had no idea who he was. Hunt made the switch from safety to outside linebacker in 2022 and was viewed as a raw prospect with upside. The 23-year-old was a healthy inactive to start the regular season and didn’t play his first snaps until Week 4.
Yet that all changed as the regular season progressed. While other players on the edge went down due to injuries, Hunt stepped up. He earned a meaningful role in Vic Fangio’s defense throughout the second half of the regular season and it all led to an impressive performance in Super Bowl LIX.
Hunt had five total pressures against the Chiefs in the big game, according to Pro Football Focus. Only Josh Sweat (7) had more total pressures than Hunt in Super Bowl LIX. It was an impressive performance that perfectly summed up Hunt’s unexpectedly good rookie season with the Eagles.
Jahan Dotson
Philadelphia traded for Jahan Dotson in late August as the team searched for an answer at wide receiver behind A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith. Yet Dotson’s career in Philadelphia got off to a surprisingly quiet start.
The former first-round pick eclipsed 40 receiving yards just once during the regular season. Dotson hauled in seven receptions for 94 yards in Philadelphia’s meaningless regular season finale in Week 18.
Despite Dotson’s lackluster production leading up to Super Bowl LIX, he made plays on the NFL’s biggest stage. Dotson hauled in a 27-yards near touchdown to start the game and ended with two receptions for 42 yards against the Chiefs to help power the Eagles to victory.
Oren Burks
While Oren Burks wasn’t on the Eagles when the team lost to the Chiefs in Super Bowl LVII, he was also looking for revenge against Kansas City. In Super Bowl LVIII, Burks was forced into an elevated role for the San Francisco 49ers against the Chiefs after Dre Greenlaw suffered an Achilles injury early in the game.
Patrick Mahomes went right at Burks all game long, as he completed nine passes on nine targets for 67 yards and one touchdown, according to Pro Football Focus. Burks appeared to be a liability for the 49ers in Super Bowl LVIII, but he wasn’t going to allow that to happen again.
Fast forward to Super Bowl LIX and Burks was once again stepping in for an injured starting linebacker. Burks filled in for Nakobe Dean and certainly got his revenge against Mahomes this time around. He allowed just four receptions for 27 yards and was Philadelphia’s fourth-highest graded player on defense.
Mekhi Becton
Following a rocky start to his NFL career with the New York Jets, Mekhi Becton embraced a fresh start in Philadelphia. After battling injuries and playing just 31 games in four seasons with the Jets, Becton enrolled in Stoutland University in the City of Brotherly Love.
Becton embraced the switch from offensive tackle to guard, earning the starting right guard job for the Eagles. While he didn’t earn a trip to the Pro Bowl or was named an All-Pro like his fellow starters along the offensive line, Becton played well throughout his first season in Philadelphia.
While many were concerned about Becton blocking Chiefs superstar defensive lineman Chris Jones in Super Bowl LIX, the 25-year-old played well. Becton battled through a knee injury and allowed just one total pressure against Kansas City’s menacing defensive front.
Moro Ojomo
The Eagles selected Moro Ojomo with the 249th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. Players selected that late in the draft aren’t even guaranteed to make a team’s final roster. Yet Ojomo has worked his way into a rotational role along Philadelphia’s defensive line.
While many are concerned about the potential departure of Milton Williams in free agency, Ojomo’s play throughout the season could ease those concerns. Especially given his performance in both the NFC Championship Game and Super Bowl LIX.
Ojomo had three total pressures in just 22 pass rushing snaps against the Chiefs in the big game. He was a menace against both the run and pass, earning the third-highest grade on Philadelphia’s defense against Kansas City.
Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
