The Super Bowl LVII between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Kansas City Chiefs not only provided thrilling football action but also served as a valuable learning experience for NFL teams like the Baltimore Ravens. The Eagles’ dominant 38-35 victory over the Chiefs highlighted numerous aspects of football that could be crucial for the Ravens to take into consideration as they look to improve their own roster and strategy for the upcoming season. Here are the five most important things the Ravens may take away from the Eagles’ crushing of the Chiefs:
1. The Importance of Offensive Line Play
One of the standout aspects of the Eagles’ Super Bowl performance was their dominant offensive line, which controlled the line of scrimmage from the opening snap. The Eagles’ offensive line, led by Lane Johnson, Jason Kelce, and Jordan Mailata, consistently gave Jalen Hurts plenty of time to throw the ball and created gaping holes for the running game. In particular, the Eagles’ ability to impose their will on the Chiefs’ defense in both the pass and run game was a key factor in their success.
For the Ravens, the lesson here is clear: a strong offensive line is the foundation of a successful offense. The Ravens’ offensive line has been inconsistent in recent years, with injuries and personnel changes affecting its overall performance. Lamar Jackson thrives when he has time in the pocket and the ability to make plays with his legs, but that starts with solid protection upfront. The Ravens must continue to invest in the offensive line to ensure that Jackson can continue to be effective in both the passing and running game.
Key Takeaway for the Ravens:
- The Ravens must focus on bolstering their offensive line to give Lamar Jackson more time to throw and open up more holes for the running backs. If they can emulate the Eagles’ success in the trenches, it could drastically improve their offensive output.
2. The Value of a Dual-Threat Quarterback
Jalen Hurts was undoubtedly one of the biggest stars of Super Bowl LVII. Not only did he throw for 304 yards and a touchdown, but he also rushed for three touchdowns in one of the most impressive quarterback performances in Super Bowl history. His ability to affect the game both through the air and on the ground kept the Chiefs’ defense on its heels and opened up a range of possibilities for the Eagles’ offensive scheme.
For the Ravens, this is a vital lesson. Lamar Jackson, like Hurts, is a dual-threat quarterback capable of changing the game with his legs as well as his arm. The Ravens’ offense thrives when Jackson is a part of the running game, and his ability to make plays outside the pocket forces defenses to account for him at all times. The Eagles’ success with Hurts reinforces the idea that having a quarterback who can contribute both in the passing game and the running game is a major advantage.
Key Takeaway for the Ravens:
- The Ravens should continue to emphasize their dual-threat offense with Lamar Jackson, ensuring that they create plays where he can either make the throw or take off and run. Jalen Hurts’ performance proves that when a quarterback can excel in both facets of the game, it adds a whole new dimension to the offense.
3. Depth and Versatility in the Running Game
The Eagles’ running game was another area that was on full display during their Super Bowl victory. While Hurts was the star, the Eagles also benefitted from a deep and versatile running back group. Miles Sanders, Boston Scott, and Kenneth Gainwell all played key roles in the ground game, with Sanders rushing for over 100 yards and a touchdown in the win. The offensive line created gaping holes, but the running backs did their part by hitting those holes with speed and power.
The Ravens have long been known for their powerful rushing attack, especially under Greg Roman’s offensive schemes, but the team has occasionally struggled to find consistent depth behind Lamar Jackson. J.K. Dobbins, when healthy, is a talented back, but Gus Edwards and others have been inconsistent in their performances. The Eagles’ ability to rotate fresh legs into their backfield was a big reason for their success in Super Bowl LVII. The Ravens need to ensure they have a more balanced, deep running back rotation to take the pressure off Jackson and keep defenses guessing.
Key Takeaway for the Ravens:
- The Ravens should look to build greater depth and versatility in their running back group. A more diverse and multi-dimensional running attack, much like the one the Eagles utilized, would keep defenses on their toes and prevent them from focusing solely on Jackson.
4. The Need for a Strong, Flexible Defense
One of the most impressive aspects of the Eagles’ defense in Super Bowl LVII was its ability to adjust on the fly. While the Chiefs’ offense eventually found its rhythm in the second half, the Eagles’ defense was able to shut down the Chiefs’ high-powered attack for much of the game. The Eagles were able to mix up their defensive looks, blitz effectively, and, most importantly, generate pressure on Patrick Mahomes without necessarily overloading the box.
For the Ravens, this should be a clear sign that their defense needs to remain flexible and able to adapt to various situations. The Ravens have long prided themselves on their defensive dominance, and their defense has been elite under defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald. However, much like the Eagles, they will need to evolve to stay ahead of the competition. Generating pressure while mixing up their defensive alignments is essential for them to compete against some of the top quarterbacks in the NFL, such as Joe Burrow, Deshaun Watson, and Patrick Mahomes.
Key Takeaway for the Ravens:
- The Ravens must focus on creating a more dynamic and flexible defense, capable of adjusting to different offensive schemes and generating pressure without relying solely on blitzes. The Eagles showed that a balanced approach, with both coverage and pass rush, is key to slowing down high-powered offenses.
5. Coaching and Strategy Matter in the Big Moments
Perhaps one of the most understated but significant factors in the Eagles’ victory was the superb coaching and strategic game plan developed by Nick Sirianni and his staff. The Eagles didn’t simply rely on individual talent—they executed a carefully crafted game plan that maximized their strengths, adjusted to what the Chiefs gave them, and took advantage of Kansas City’s weaknesses.
For the Ravens, this is a reminder that coaching and strategy are just as important as talent. While the team has a dynamic player in Lamar Jackson, it’s vital for John Harbaugh and the Ravens’ coaching staff to consistently put the team in positions to succeed. Whether it’s adapting to the unique talents of Jackson or adjusting to in-game developments, the Ravens’ coaching staff must be able to adapt in high-pressure moments. The Eagles’ coaches showed how critical it is to have a game plan that adapts, and it’s something that could elevate the Ravens to new heights.
Key Takeaway for the Ravens:
- The Ravens’ coaching staff must continue to evolve and create strategic game plans that maximize their strengths and exploit the weaknesses of their opponents. Flexibility, creativity, and decision-making in critical moments can make all the difference in winning close games and playoff contests.