How Eagles can stop Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes in Super Bowl LIX

Shutting down Kansas City Chiefs superstar quarterback Patrick Mahomes is simpler than it seems. 

On Sunday, the Chiefs will face the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans at 6:30 p.m. ET on Fox. Philadelphia can stop the three-time Super Bowl champion by pressuring him and making him hold the ball for too long.

"The correlation between winning and how quickly, on average, the quarterback throws the ball or takes a sack is stronger for Mahomes than for [Buffalo Bills QB Josh Allen] and [Baltimore Ravens QB Lamar Jackson], other top quarterbacks with scrambling ability," wrote The Athletic's Mike Sando in his Monday column.

According to Sando, Mahomes is 2-8 when he averages 3.31 seconds or more to throw. Allen is 15-6, while Jackson is 16-10. 

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers did this in Super Bowl LV, Mahomes' only loss in the "Big One." Per Pro Football Focus, the eight-year veteran averaged 3.5 seconds to throw against Tampa Bay, his second-highest mark in the postseason.

In the 31-9 loss, Mahomes posted a below-average 42.2 QBR, tossed two interceptions and was sacked three times. 

The Chiefs, however, clearly learned from that defeat. They've recently started relying on shorter passes, which allows Mahomes to release the ball quicker. 

According to Pro Football Reference, Mahomes averaged a career-low 6.2 intended air yards per pass attempt in 16 regular-season starts this season. That figure has increased to 6.7 in the postseason. Air yards measure the distance the ball travels from the line of scrimmage to a pass-catcher.

Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio is 0-8 against Mahomes, adding to their potential concerns. 

Still, Philadelphia tied for second in sacks (10) in the postseason and could exploit the Chiefs' shaky offensive line. Mahomes has been sacked 41 times this season (including playoffs). 

As of Monday, ESPN Bet lists K.C. as a 1.5-point favorite. If the Eagles follow Tampa Bay's blueprint, they could upset the reigning champions.