Super Bowl 57: Chiefs edge Eagles in classic

The Kansas City Chiefs fought back to became NFL champions for the second time in four years, winning a thrilling Super Bowl 38-35 over the Philadelphia Eagles.

Going into the game as slight underdogs, the Chiefs trailed for much of the game in Phoenix and were 27-21 down heading into the final quarter.

But despite limping after aggravating an ankle injury, quarterback Patrick Mahomes led his team to victory at the State Farm Stadium.

Mahomes, named the season’s Most Valuable Player for a second time just days before the game, threw second-half touchdown passes to Kadarius Toney and Skyy Moore to put Kansas City in front for the first time.

Philadelphia drew level after a record-breaking third rushing touchdown by Jalen Hurts, followed by a two-point conversion from the impressive QB.

But a heroic 26-yard run by Mahomes, who went on the MVP of the game, made the ground for Harrison Butker to kick a game-winning field goal from 27 yards with eight seconds remaining.

Controversial call to end the game

There was much controversy regarding a holding flag call against Eagles cornerback James Bradberry late on which has received mix reactions, with many criticising the decision.

With the scores level deep in the fourth quarter, Bradberry’s subtle tug on the jersey of Chiefs receiver Juju Smith-Schuster drew the throwing of a penalty flag, granting Kansas City a first down despite Mahomes’ pass falling incomplete.

That set up Butker’s game-winner, which also gave the Eagles almost no time at all to respond.

While his crew had generally allowed plenty of contact from defenders throughout a back-and-forth encounter, referee Carl Cheffers insisted that the penalty came after a “clear case of a jersey grab”.

Despite this, Philadelphia played a great game, with Hurts starring once again, eclipsing Mahomes with more passing yards and more highlights. He had no turnovers and despite being pressured on 25.9 percent of his dropbacks, he was never sacked, completing 27 of 38 passing attempts for 304 yards.

Elsewhere, pop star Rihanna stole the show with a breath-taking performance during the half-time show, while backup Chiefs QB Chad Henne announced his retirement following the game.

The 2023 NFL season is planned to begin on September 7 2023, with the year concluding at Super Bowl 58, which is scheduled to be played on February 11, 2024, at Allegiant Stadium in Paradise, Nevada.