Three ways the Chiefs defense will look to stymie the Eagles offense

That said, it is vital that Kansas City's edge-rushers do not overcommit and allow Hurts to either step up in the pocket or roll out to the outside. If George Karlaftis, Charles Omenihu and company can contain the edges and shrink the pocket without escape valves, it could be a long day for Hurts and the Eagles' passing attack.

Play tight man coverage while getting home in disguised blitz packages

The Chiefs secondary will be another key factor in this contest. Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo prefers to play man coverage while mixing in blitz packages, and that should be the strategy in this game against the Eagles.

Kansas City should either have Trent McDuffie follow A.J. Brown throughout the game or have McDuffie line up across DeVonta Smith and send double coverage toward Brown.

Either way, the Chiefs secondary needs to play tight man coverage and force Hurts to consistently beat them with extremely accurate passes in narrow windows. Hurts prefers to see his receivers open before releasing the ball, especially on hitch routes, slants, crossing patterns and deep passes down the sideline. 

Hurts' inclination to hold onto the ball while in the pocket has led to him taking more sacks than he should, as he has been sacked 11 times during these playoffs.

Limit Saquon Barkley's explosive plays

If Kansas City's front seven struggles to stay disciplined in defending the read option and Barkley, it will open up everything else for the Eagles offense.

Philadelphia's offensive output is not highly reliant on Hurts' passing and is heavily predicated on the rushing attack — which Hurts opens up with his mobility — and leaning on the offensive line.

With Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid proving that they can produce no matter the circumstances, the Chiefs' defensive performance will be a major component in Super Bowl LIX.