With the Super Bowl just days away, the Kansas City Chiefs are gearing up to take on the Philadelphia Eagles in their quest for a historic three-peat. Head coach Andy Reid and his staff have been meticulously crafting their game plan, but one crucial adjustment could determine their success against Philadelphia’s dynamic offense.
Eagles' Offensive Threat Puts Chiefs' Secondary in the Spotlight
Philadelphia boasts one of the most dangerous offenses in the league, led by a dominant rushing attack and a formidable wide receiver duo in A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith. Kansas City’s secondary has faced inconsistencies throughout the season, and while the return of starter Jaylen Watson has provided some stability, cornerback Nazeeh Johnson’s struggles remain a significant concern.
Nazeeh Johnson’s Defensive Struggles Are Hard to Ignore
Johnson has had difficulty containing receivers all season. Whether it was allowing nine receptions for 103 yards against the Buffalo Bills, giving up multiple deep plays to Las Vegas Raiders' Jakobi Meyers, or getting outmatched early against Houston Texans' Nico Collins in the playoffs, his defensive lapses have been costly.
His performance ratings reinforce this concern. Pro Football Focus (PFF) graded Johnson 165th out of 223 qualified cornerbacks, with opponents achieving a 107.7 passer rating when targeting him. In contrast, Joshua Williams—who has yet to play a defensive snap in the playoffs—ranked 92nd with a significantly better 77.4 opposing passer rating.
Chiefs Must Make a Bold Move at Cornerback
Given Philadelphia’s offensive weapons, defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo must make the tough decision to bench Johnson in favor of a more reliable option like Williams. The combination of Watson, Williams, and standout Trent McDuffie could provide Kansas City with a stronger defensive front against Brown and Smith, minimizing the risk of big plays.
Containing the Eagles’ rushing attack requires stacking the defensive line, meaning the Chiefs’ secondary must hold its own. If Johnson remains in coverage for extended periods, Jalen Hurts and the Eagles' offense could exploit this weakness relentlessly.
A Tactical Adjustment That Could Shape the Outcome
Johnson can still contribute on special teams, but his defensive shortcomings pose too great a risk against Philadelphia’s high-powered offense. The Chiefs are currently 1.5-point favorites at FanDuel Sportsbook with -120 moneyline odds. If the coaching staff opts to bench Johnson, those odds could become even more favorable.
With everything on the line, Kansas City must make the right call to give themselves the best chance at victory in Super Bowl LVIII.
ADVERTISEMENT