Warren Whitaker

One of the greatest sporting events of all time is the NFL’s Super Bowl, and on February 12th, 2023, in Glendale, Arizona, we saw the 57th edition of the game take place. The AFC’s Kansas City Chiefs faced off against the NFC’s Philadelphia Eagles in a thrilling game that left Eagles fans in disappointment after a 38-35 loss.

Going into the game, both teams were the number one seed in their conferences. Both teams also finished the regular season tied for the best record at 14-3. While Philadelphia and Kansas City did not play each other during the regular season, many people viewed this game as being between the best player in the league (Kansas City’s Patrick Mahomes) and the best overall team in the Eagles.

Delaware State sophomore, Sakai Lee, thought the Eagles were too strong of a team to defeat. “That offense was unstoppable. In the end, it was the Philly defense that let down the city,” said Lee.

Members of the Eagles defense celebrating a big play.

The eagles were highly favored to win going into the game. All pregame show analysts on Fox sports picked the Eagles to win, including many sports analysts outside of Fox. According to the CBS sports article “Super Bowl 57 picks, odds, Chiefs vs. Eagles bets by NFL expert: This 5-way same-game parlay would pay 19-1” by Larry

Hartstein “Philadelphia is a 1.5-point favorite in the latest Eagles vs. Chiefs Super Bowl 57 odds”.

In the first quarter, Philadelphia scored on the opening drive and Kansas City responded with a score of their own. To open the second quarters, Eagles quarterback, Jalen Hurts, threw a beautiful 45-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver A.J Brown to put Philadelphia up 14-7. The Eagles would go on to score 24 points total in the half, with the Chiefs lone second quarter touchdown coming from a scoop and score fumble recovery by linebacker Nick Bolton.

Rihanna performing at halftime of Super Bowl 57.

Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid is dunked after their win against the Philadelphia Eagles at the NFL Super Bowl 57 football game, Sunday, Feb. 12, 2023, in Glendale, Ariz. Kansas City Chiefs defeated the Philadelphia Eagles 38-35. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum) Photo Courtesy of AP

The halftime entertainment saw a performance by Rihanna. For many non-football fans, this was the highlight of the night. Even spectators who watched solely for the game cannot deny the amazing performance that Rihanna put on. Delaware State junior, Jahleel Smith, was impressed with the performance. “I thought she was great. She had a good set list and gave a much-needed break from the intensity of the game” said Smith. Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid is dunked after their win against the Philadelphia Eagles at the NFL Super Bowl 57 football game, Sunday, Feb. 12, 2023, in Glendale, Ariz. Kansas City Chiefs defeated the Philadelphia Eagles 38-35. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

The second half began with a Kansas City touchdown on the opening drive to make the score 24-21. The Eagles would respond with a field goal, and the third quarter ended with the eagles winning 27-21.

The Chiefs would score on the opening drive of the fourth quarter. They also forced a three and out after their scoring drive, and Kansas City wide receiver, Kadarius Toney, would return the punt 65 yards to put the Chiefs offense in the redzone. This would set up a Kansas City touchdown and their first lead of the game at 28-27. “I was on the edge of my seat” said Delaware State freshman, Alyson Whitaker. “The game kept going back and forth and it was so intense” continued Whitaker.

The Eagles and chiefs would both trade touchdowns, and the Eagles would convert on an important two point conversion to tie the game. However, this would not be enough, as Kansas City kicker, Harrison Butker, would kick a field goal with eight seconds left to take the lead 38-35. The Eagles would return the kick, burning another three seconds, and would have one more play with five seconds left. With no choice but to throw a last-minute hail Mary to try and take the lead, Jalen Hurts would throw a pass that landed yards short of the nearest man.

The Chiefs celebrating being Super Bowl 57 champions.

Unfortunately for Eagles fans, that last chance attempt at a play would be the ending of their super bowl 57 hopes. While Jalen Hurts had a respectable 304 passing yards, 27/38 completions and four total touchdowns, the winner of the war always writes history as Patrick Mahomes was named MVP.

Both teams played a great game and amazing quarterback play was demonstrated on both sides. In the year where Tom Brady walks away from football for good, this years super bowl showed that the future of the league is in great hands.