Vic Fangio's game plan for Mahomes included no blitzes. The plan was brilliant, and has been done before.

[Auggie]

It looked to me that the Eagles pass rush was more about containing Mahomes, initially, than going for the immediate sack. The 49ers utilized a similar approach to beat the Eagles in 2023, who at the time were looking unstoppable.

The idea is that the front defensive four encircles the QB in a coordinated, unselfish effort, basically creating a pocket around the pocket, and closes in from all sides. The QB has little avenue for roll-out or escape. He has to keep one eye on the defense while checking off his options.

Mahomes was harassed into hurried throws, bad throws, and INTs. It helped also (IMO) that 1) Mahomes held onto the ball too long in many instances, and 2) downfield coverage was really, really good. I was also surprised Reid didn't counter with a "dink and dunk" attack. Maybe he tried and I just missed it.

Prior to the Super Bowl, Mahomes was 8-0 against Fangio's NFL defenses.* Credit Philly's front office for giving Fangio players who can execute. MVP honors should have gone to the entire Philadelphia defense.

* (paywall): https://www.sfchronicle.com/sports/article/eagles-deny-the-chiefs-a-super-bowl-three-peat-20157823.php

[exboyfil]

1. The Eagles went heavy on defense in the last two drafts

And did a great job in picking their players. Their starting CBs were both rookies and their first two picks.That and other teams passing on Carter because of the drag racing deaths in the draft before.

[Docreed2003]

2. My son and I were talking about this during the game

For all the sacks and hurried plays, the Eagles didn't blitz, not one time. Their defensive front just dominated the trenches and, to the point about Chiefs going dink and dunk and they're known to do, they did try at times and either catches weren't made or throws were off.

[genxlib]

3. I would go with execution over strategy

Creating a contained but collapsing pocket without blitzing is the first choice of any Defensive Coordinator.

But it only works if the DL beats the OL in the individual matchups. If they don’t, then you end up with a perfect pocket for a QB to sit in and pick you apart.

Philly lined up in a pretty straightforward defense all night but just dominated at the personal one-on-one level.

[exboyfil]

4. Yes they had a guard playing left tackle

Most KC fans think the guard Thueny should have been moved back to his position and go with next best LT. Better to be weak in one position than two.

[ProfessorGAC]

5. You're Right, There Were No Blitzes

But, I don't think it was a strategy.
The Eagles front 4 on D is just so good that blitzing isn't necessary.
If they can get to the QB without blitzing, why would they?
I think Fangio just realized that KC couldn't block his guys so the strategy he employed was around the back 7 of giving up few throwing lanes early. By the time a receiver gets free, that great D-Line is in the QBs face.
Those 4 guys, anchored by Jalen Carter, are fantastic.

[Auggie]

6. I think the containment idea was the strategy ...

keep Mahomes from rolling out or scrambling, while at the same time, keeping him occupied. It also forced the O-line into a couple of holding penalties, which are almost as good as a sack.

As I said in the OP, the 49ers used this tactic against Hurts in 2023. And they beat him.

Yes, it requires a good front four. And the entire defense, according to Nick Bosa, needs to buy into it.

[ProfessorGAC]

7. We'll Disagree

A containment strategy is unlikely to result in 6 sacks & 16 other pressures.
Besides, Mahomet has beaten people from the pocket plenty of times, so letting him sit in the pocket doesn't seem wise.
I didn't see containment. I saw constant pressure, especially up the muddle with those 2 monster defensive tackles.

[Auggie]

8. Okay

[tishaLA]

9. I'd like to thank all the members of the Dolphins defense

Who complained and complained like babies that Fangio was a meanie and just too tough on them last year. It got Fangio fired.

Now he's won a Super Bowl and they were out.of the playoffs.