Eagles vs. Chiefs—could there have been a worse game to watch?
The Chiefs' recent domination over the 49ers, coupled with the arrogance of Eagles fans following their 2023 NFC Championship win, made this game a challenging watch.
D-Line Drop-off
The 49ers have a loaded roster; this is undeniable. Their skill positions are filled with recognizable and coveted players. So, why did the 49ers have such a disappointing year? While there are valid reasons like injuries and holdouts, one significant difference stands out between this year's 49ers and previous versions: the defensive line.
In the past, the 49ers boasted a formidable defensive line that included Arik Armstead, DeForest Buckner, Solomon Thomas, D.J. Jones, and Nick Bosa. However, as the team allowed many of these players to walk—apart from Bosa—their defensive dominance waned. Although the defense remained solid in recent years, it's clear that the absence of Arik Armstead was a critical turning point. The 49ers' run defense finished 18th in the NFL, allowing an average of 124.6 yards per game. In contrast, last year's defense ranked 3rd, allowing only 89.7 yards per game. This decline in performance illustrates why the 49ers struggled. The previously stifling run defense and excellent pass rush played a crucial role in allowing the rest of the defense to thrive.
Improving the D-Line
Some might argue the Chiefs didn't deserve to be in the Super Bowl, given the "lucky breaks" they received from referees and timely events. However, it's also true that they consistently find ways to win. So, how did the Eagles manage to achieve what others struggled to do, and so effectively? It wasn't the contributions of players like Saquon Barkley or A.J. Brown that made the most significant impact. Instead, it was the Eagles' formidable defensive line that controlled the game from start to finish. The Eagles' offense faced little pressure to perform, as the Chiefs struggled to move the ball. Patrick Mahomes had only 24 passing yards by the end of the first half, and the run game was equally lackluster, finishing with just 49 yards.
The 49ers have somewhat bolstered their prospects by drafting a young and talented group of defensive backs and still possess one of the best linebacker corps in the NFL, which provides hope for fans. Ultimately, however, they need to carefully evaluate what the real game-changing difference was on football's biggest stage: the defensive line.
