JACK MCCAFFERY’S 5 CHIEFS KEYS TO THE GAME

1.

Challenge Jalen Hurts: With 55sacks – most in the AFC – the Chiefs are naturally expected to attack the Eagles’ quarterback physically. But with two weeks to prepare for his fourth career Super Bowl, Andy Reid should also be able to create multiple fresh defensive wrinkles to challenge Hurts – and the relatively inexperienced Eagles’ coaching staff – strategically. If the Eagles are made to see something unexpected early, the Chiefs can hit first and keep control throughout.

2.

Protect Patrick Mahomes: The Chiefs’ quarterback (left, above) did not become the betting favorite to be the NFL’s MVP by being easily rattled. But with an NFL-best 70 sacks, the Eagles have a better chance than anyone to limit his ability to create. If Kansas City doesn’t at least slow the Eagles’ pass rush, Mahomes will be less effective, and the Chiefs can’t win that way.

3.

Win the time of possession battle: The best way for the Eagles to win is to keep Mahomes off the field as long as possible. That, they should try to do by running the ball, staying in bounds and allowing the clock to run. Kansas City must counter that by converting third downs, protecting Mahomes and trusting a run game. The longer the Eagles’ defense is on the field, the more subjected it will be to fatigue. And the longer Mahomes is out there, the better the chances Kansas City will have to exploit that edge.

4.

Be versatile in the passing game: The Eagles will be obligated to tilt their secondary in the direction of Travis Kelce, the Chiefs’ ever-present passing-lane threat. Mahomes, though, is brilliant enough to make any risky defense pay. As long as the Chiefs involve JuJu Smith-Schuster and Marquez Valdes-Scantling (right) — and more? — the dangerous Eagles’ secondary will be kept honest.

5.

Be tricky: Early in his career, coach Andy Reid (far left) was known for his willingness to gamble with gadgets, fakes and other deception approaches. While he needn’t go full-out “Philly Philly” just to make a point, he will have the experience – on the field and beneath the coaching headphones – to not only try something game-changing, but to keep the Eagles edgy about when it might happen.