Chiefs DC Steve Spagnuolo has impressive postseason track record of limiting what the Eagles' offense does best
It's no secret that the centerpiece of the Philadelphia Eagles' offense is running back Saquon Barkley. The six-year veteran has enjoyed the best season of his career in 2024, setting career-highs in rushing yards (2,005), yards per carry average (5.8), and rushing touchdowns (13). Although he won't likely win it, Barkley was a legitimate MVP […]
It's no secret that the centerpiece of the Philadelphia Eagles' offense is running back Saquon Barkley.
The six-year veteran has enjoyed the best season of his career in 2024, setting career-highs in rushing yards (2,005), yards per carry average (5.8), and rushing touchdowns (13). Although he won't likely win it, Barkley was a legitimate MVP candidate this season.
He has carried that momentum into the playoffs, averaging 147 rushing yards over three games. The Kansas City Chiefs' defense will certainly have its hands full with Barkley in Super Bowl LIX. Kansas City finished the regular season ranked eighth against the run, allowing 4.1 yards per carry and 101.8 yards per game.
The Chiefs did not allow a single RB to reach 100 yards in 2024. Something will have to give during the Super Bowl as Barkley has eclipsed 100 rushing yards in each of his last five games and nine of his last 10. Fortunately for K.C., defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo has an impressive track record against RBs during the postseason.
The most rushing yards a RB has recorded against Spagnuolo in a playoff game since he's been in K.C. is 89, which came in Super Bowl LV by then Tampa Bay Buccaneer Leonard Fournette. Joe Mixon reached 88 yards twice, once as a Cincinnati Bengal and the other as a Houston Texan. James Cook of the Buffalo Bills ran for 85 yards against Spagnuolo in last week's AFC Championship Game.
Spagnuolo has bottled up other big name RBs during his time with the Chiefs. In the 2019 AFC title game against the Tennessee Titans, Derrick Henry was held to just 69 yards on 19 carries after leading the NFL in rushing that year. In Super Bowl LVIII just one year ago, 2023 rushing champ Christian McCaffrey was limited to 80 yards on 20 carries.
It won't be easy, but containing Barkley and forcing quarterback Jalen Hurts to beat them will be huge for the Chiefs. It's a near certainty that Barkley will rip off a few good runs, but limiting him on early downs and forcing the Eagles into long yardage third-down situations will be crucial. Spagnuolo knows how to take away opposing offense's biggest threats, and he'll have to do it one more time if K.C. is going to three-peat.
