The Super Bowl never fails to deliver unforgettable moments, and this year’s championship matchup between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Kansas City Chiefs was no exception. Sports analysts Liam LaRoe, a criminal justice major, and Brooke Myers, an occupational therapy major, shared their thoughts on the game, the key players, and the highly anticipated Kendrick Lamar halftime show.

Game Reaction

Q: What were your initial thoughts on the Eagles’ performance in the Super Bowl?

LaRoe: The Eagles came in with a strong, aggressive approach, and it was evident they were prepared for this moment. Their execution on both sides of the ball was sharp, and they didn’t let up at any point. They controlled the pace of the game and took advantage of key opportunities.

Myers: The Eagles played with intensity and discipline. From the opening kickoff, they looked focused and determined to control the game. Their execution on both offense and defense was impressive, and they capitalized on key mistakes by the Chiefs.

Q: What do you think went wrong for the Chiefs?

LaRoe: The Chiefs struggled with consistency on offense. Their offensive line had issues containing the Eagles’ pass rush, and Patrick Mahomes didn’t have as much time in the pocket as he’s used to. Drops by receivers and a few questionable play calls also hurt them at crucial moments.

Myers: The Chiefs struggled with offensive rhythm. Their wide receivers had trouble getting separation, and Mahomes didn’t have his usual pocket presence due to the Eagles’ pass rush. They also failed to convert on crucial third downs, which hurt their momentum.

Q: Which player stood out the most to you on either team? 

LaRoe: Jalen Hurts was phenomenal. His composure, decision-making, and ability to extend plays were the defining factors in the Eagles’ success. He showed why he belongs among the elite quarterbacks in the league.

Myers: A.J. Brown had an outstanding game. His route-running and ability to make contested catches gave the Eagles a serious edge. He stepped up in key moments and helped keep their offense moving.

Q: How do you feel about Patrick Mahomes’ performance in this game? 

LaRoe: Mahomes played well considering the circumstances. He faced relentless pressure and had to make a lot happen on the fly. While he didn’t have his best game statistically, his resilience and leadership were still evident.

Myers: Mahomes showed flashes of brilliance, but he was under pressure for most of the game. He made some incredible throws, but he also looked frustrated at times. It wasn’t his best performance, but he still kept the Chiefs competitive.

Q: Do you think the Eagles’ defense was the main reason for their win?

LaRoe: Absolutely. The Eagles’ defensive front dictated the tempo, forcing Mahomes to scramble more than he wanted. Their ability to disrupt plays before they could develop was a major factor in securing the win.

Myers: Yes, their defense dictated the tempo. The defensive line put relentless pressure on Mahomes, and their secondary made crucial stops. They forced the Chiefs into uncomfortable situations all night.

Q: What was the most memorable play of the game for you?

LaRoe: The strip-sack in the third quarter that set up a crucial touchdown for the Eagles. It was a game-changing moment that shifted momentum completely in their favor.

Myers: The deep touchdown pass to A.J. Brown in the second quarter. It was a perfectly placed throw, and Brown made an incredible adjustment to haul it in. That play set the tone for the Eagles’ dominance.

Q: If you could change one thing about the game, what would it be?

LaRoe: I would’ve liked to see the Chiefs establish a stronger run game early on. They became too reliant on Mahomes making magic happen, which made them predictable.

Myers: I would have liked to see the Chiefs get more creative with their play-calling. They became too predictable, which allowed the Eagles’ defense to key in on their tendencies.

Q: Do you think the Chiefs can bounce back next season?  

LaRoe: Without a doubt. As long as Mahomes is their quarterback and Andy Reid is coaching, they’ll always be contenders. A few key roster moves in the offseason could make all the difference.

Myers: Definitely. Mahomes is too talented to stay down for long. If they improve their offensive line and add a few more weapons, they’ll be right back in the mix next year.

Q: How does this game compare to past Super Bowls in terms of excitement? 

LaRoe: It was a solid game, but I wouldn’t rank it among the most thrilling Super Bowls of all time. It had its moments, but there have been matchups with more dramatic finishes and back-and-forth action.

Myers: It was solid, but not the most thrilling. There were great moments, but I’ve seen Super Bowls with more dramatic finishes. It was a well-played game, but it lacked that one defining moment that people will talk about for years.

 Halftime Show Reaction 

Q: What was your overall impression of the halftime show?   

LaRoe: It was a visually stunning performance with high energy and a well-crafted setlist. The artist brought their signature style to the biggest stage in music and delivered a memorable show.

Myers: It was a fun and energetic performance. The artist brought a lot of charisma and stage presence, and the production value was top-notch.

Q: Did the artist(s) live up to your expectations? Why or why not? 

LaRoe: For the most part, yes. Their vocals were strong, and they brought a level of charisma that kept the audience engaged. However, there were a few moments where the pacing felt a little off.

Myers: Yes and no. The setlist was strong, and the energy was high, but I was expecting a bit more in terms of surprises or guest appearances.

Q: What was your favorite part of the performance?  

LaRoe: The final song. It wrapped up the performance on a high note and had the entire stadium on their feet.

Myers: The choreography. The dancers brought a whole new level of excitement, and the way they interacted with the stage setup made the performance even more engaging.

Q: How did the stage design and visuals contribute to the show?

LaRoe: The stage design was top-tier, incorporating impressive lighting effects, pyrotechnics, and dynamic camera angles. It added to the spectacle and kept things visually engaging.

Myers: The visuals were stunning. The lighting, pyrotechnics, and camera work all enhanced the experience. It felt like a concert rather than just a halftime performance.

Q: Do you think this was one of the best Super Bowl halftime shows? Why or why not?

LaRoe: It was good, but I wouldn’t say it was one of the best ever. It had great moments, but there have been performances that felt more iconic and groundbreaking.

Myers: It was great, but I wouldn’t say it was the best ever. There have been more iconic performances in the past, but this one was definitely entertaining.

Q: If you could pick the next Super Bowl halftime performer, who would it be? 

LaRoe: I’d love to see Taylor Swift or Drake take the stage. They have the catalog and the stage presence to make it an unforgettable show.

Myers: I’d love to see Bruno Mars do another show. He’s got the energy, the stage presence, and the hits to make it an unforgettable performance.