Chiefs: Andy Reid used a concept older than the Super Bowl to beat the Eagles
"If properly executed the power sweep is unstoppable," says Red Foreman on an iconic scene of That 70s Show about Vince Lombardi's signature play. The Kansas City Chiefs put that to the test in Super Bowl LVII. You read that right, on Sunday, the Chiefs ran a version of the historic Lombardi Sweep. In 2023, […]
"If properly executed the power sweep is unstoppable," says Red Foreman on an iconic scene of That 70s Show about Vince Lombardi's signature play.
The Kansas City Chiefs put that to the test in Super Bowl LVII. You read that right, on Sunday, the Chiefs ran a version of the historic Lombardi Sweep. In 2023, that is!
That's over 63 years removed from the iconic coach's arrival at Green Bay in 1959 (Lombardi had already implemented the play with the New York Giants but it hadn't been popularized as it would be in the 60s).
The Chiefs unleashed this beauty of a play on third-and-one on the team's game-winning drive one play before Mahomes' instant-classic 26-yard scramble.
While not a memorable play for many, it was called in one of the most pivotal moments of the game.
Breaking down the Chiefs' Lombardi Sweep
Here's how the simple but effective play looked like years later when Andy Reid called it in the fourth quarter of his second Super Bowl win: The Chiefs lined up in 21 personnel in an old-school split-back formation with running back Isaiah Pacheco to the strongside (tight end side) and fullback Michael Burton to the weakside.
The Chiefs handed the ball off to Pacheco as he darted laterally to the weak side behind the blocks of Burton and two pulling guards. When he broke upfield, Pacheco picked up 10 yards as the Eagles defensive linemen and linebackers were perfectly blocked.
Do you feel that? Goosebumps. What a call! And even better execution. Pacheco had only one man to beat and that was the single-high safety. Everyone else didn't stand a chance.
One of the most iconic concepts in NFL history was used in the biggest game possible by a team known mostly for its prolific passing attack. Just perfect albeit unspectacular.
Author Ed Gruver once wrote about the Lombardi Sweep for The Coffin Corner:
"There is nothing spectacular about it," Lombardi once said of his sweep. It's just a yard gainer. But on that sideline, when the sweep starts to develop, you can hear those linebackers and defensive backs yelling, ‘Sweep!' ‘Sweep!' and almost see their eyes pop as those guards turn upfield after them… It's my number one play because it requires all eleven men to play as one to make it succeed, and that's what ‘team' means."
As you can see, there's a clear difference between what the Packers did so many years ago and what the Chiefs do know.
Reid's offense doesn't strike fear in opponents because they know that they're going back to the well with the same concept over and over. They terrorize defenses because they never know what's coming.
It can be a quick RPO to Travis Kelce or a concept that dominated TV back in the 60s.
Andy Reid called a fantastic game in Glendale for his second Super Bowl ring as head coach. But the Lombardi Sweep was undoubtedly the cherry on top for NFL history geeks.
Featured image via Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
