One player holds the key to Eagles victory in Super Bowl rematch
An ill-timed holding call at the end of Super Bowl LVII didn’t cost Philadelphia a championship, their running backs did. Things could go differently in Monday night’s rematch.
After rushing for 121.6 per game in 2022, the Eagles ran for 416 yards in playoff games against New York and San Francisco. Kenneth Gainwell alone had 112 yards against the Giants but managed just 21 yards on seven carries against the Chiefs.
His fellow running backs weren’t much better. Despite leading the team in rushing with the first 1,000-yard season of his career, former Eagle Miles Sanders gained 16 yards with his seven carries. Boston Scott had eight yards on three carries.
Quarterback Jalen Hurts led the team in rushing with 70 yards and three scores on the ground. He really could have used some help and might get some this time with running back D’Andre Swift.
Since coming to Philadelphia in a trade that sent Detroit a fourth-round pick, Swift has 614 yards with four rushing touchdowns as the NFL’s seventh-leading rusher. Unfortunately, he’s coming off one of his worst performances as an Eagle.
Aside from a Week 1 anomaly that saw him gain three yards on a single carry, Swift’s worst game in midnight (or Kelly) green came against the Cowboys last week. Swift gained 43 yards on 18 carries for a season-low 2.4 yards per carry. He could be wearing down. His 135 carries in 2023 are only 16 less than the career-high 151 he had in 2021 with the Lions.
However, a Week 10 bye followed by Monday night lights could be just what Swift needed. Facing the Buccaneers on “Monday Night Football” in Week 3, Swift was electric, averaging 8.1 yards per carry for 130 yards.
Only three teams have allowed fewer yards than the Chiefs this season (2,594) but their run defense has been ordinary, allowing 112.2 rush yards per game. If the Eagles struggle through the air, Swift will be Philadelphia’s best bet for avenging their Super Bowl loss.
The Philadelphia Eagles travel to Kansas City to face the Chiefs this Monday at 8:15 p.m. on “Monday Night Football.”
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