NEW ORLEANS Reed Blankenship only played one defensive play against Kansas City as a rookie during Philadelphia’s march to the Super Bowl two years ago.
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He is therefore amazed by the impact that Cooper DeJean and Quinyon Mitchell have had on the Eagles this season, transforming a secondary that was a definite problem the previous season into a strength going into Sunday’s Super Bowl rematch against Kansas City.
Blankenship described playing a significant role as a first-year player as “crazy hard.” Seeing our rookies develop as they did is fantastic. Like veterinarians, kids study, play, and ask questions. My life is so much easier knowing that kids are aware of their responsibilities.
With Kansas City first-round receiver Xavier Worthy emerging as a vital component of the passing game in recent weeks, Mitchell and DeJean are by no means the only rookies who could play significant roles on Sunday.
According to NFL NextGen statistics, Mitchell, who came in second in the AP NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year voting, has only given up five catches on 15 targets for 24 yards this postseason. Despite playing collegiate football in the MAC at Toledo, Mitchell was selected in the first round and has since emerged as one of the league’s top cornerbacks.
He stated, “I’m just living proof that where you come from doesn’t matter.” You only need to believe it and work hard for it.
After making his first start in Week 6 and allowing just 97 yards on 15 targets this postseason, DeJean helped improve the defense.
Jalyx Hunt of Philadelphia had a sack against the Rams in the divisional round and has emerged as a crucial situational pass rusher in the second half of the season. As GM Howie Roseman’s draft class has performed, Will Shipley had a 57-yard run and a forced fumble in kick coverage, while Jeremiah Trotter has made crucial plays on special teams.
Coach Nick Sirianni stated, “Our rookie class has contributed really well.” Above all, that is a credit to Howie and his team for their efforts in bringing in the proper kind of men. You only receive the first part if you have talent. To get to where we are at this moment, you need something else.
There aren’t as many draft class contributors from Kansas City with safety.Along with Worthy, Jaden Hicks is another important player. However, one of the most significant newcomers on Sunday might be Worthy, who set the record for the fastest 40-yard sprint at the combine last year.
In April of last year, Kansas City traded up to choose Worthy with the 28th overall pick, but there were concerns about how his 165-pound body would fare in the more physically demanding NFL.
“I was doubting myself going into the season,” he remarked. Everyone felt he was too tiny and prone to injuries to be a big-time receiver. I believe I have disproved everyone, and I want to do so in the future.
Worthy has been at his peak late in the season and leads K.C. with 10 touchdowns in both the regular and postseason. With the exception of a one-snap cameo in Week 18, he leads the team with 50 catches for 522 yards over his last nine games. He has developed a close relationship with quarterback Patrick Mahomes.
Every week, he has improved, according to coach Andy Reid. He has Pat’s trust and they have a great friendship. For any young receiver, that requires effort and time, and he has done it.
— AP Pro Football Writer Josh Dubow
What TV channel is Super Bowl 2025 on today? Is Kansas City vs. Eagles streaming?
What: LIX (Super Bowl 59)
Who: Kansas City versus. Philadelphia Eagles | 2025 playoff bracket
Kendrick Lamar with special guests during the halftime show
When: February 9, 2025, Sunday. The game kicks off at 3:30 p.m. PT/6:30 p.m. ET (5:30 p.m. CT), with coverage starting at 2:30 p.m.
Where: New Orleans’ Caesars Superdome
TV network: Fox or on-demand streaming. By using the channel finders for well-known providers such as Comcast Xfinity, DIRECTV, Dish, Verizon Fios, Spectrum/Charter, and Optimum/Altice, you may learn more about which channel Fox is on in your area.
You can see this game locally on your Fox affiliate if you have an HDTV antenna. This HDTV antenna is now the best-selling HDTV antenna product on Amazon, so if you need one right away, purchase one. It ships fast with Prime and costs about $20.
How to watch live or on-demand streaming: You can still watch this game live for free without cable if you have DirecTV Stream or Fubo (free trial). You can watch the game on Fox Sports Live by logging in using your provider details if you currently have a cable or satellite subscription.
Kansas City vs. Philadelphia Eagles game spread, latest betting odds
Spread of points: PHI: +1.5 | KC: -1.5
Above/Below: 48.5
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