Defense carries Philadelphia Eagles past Kansas City Chiefs
The Associated Press Kansas City Chiefs running back Brashard Smith s tackled by Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Kelee Ringo during the second half Sunday.
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The goal for the Philadelphia Eagles is to be playing their best at the end of the season.
Like they were in February, when they beat the Kansas City Chiefs in the Super Bowl.
They were far from perfect on Sunday, but they were good enough to beat the Chiefs in the rematch. Jalen Hurts and Saquon Barkley had touchdown runs, and Andrew Mukuba came up with a big fourth-quarter interception of Patrick Mahomes, helping the Eagles to a 20-17 victory that was fueled by Philadelphia’s stingy and opportunistic defense.
“Our job, especially early in the season, is find a way to win. Take pride in winning any way you possibly can. Work to get better throughout the week, and repeat,” Eagles coach Nick Sirianni said. “I think when you come off a season like we came off last year the expectation is that you’re going to pick up where you left off. There are steps to this.”
The Eagles (2-0) never seem to stumble over them, either. They’ve won seven straight and improved to 17-1 in their last 18 games, and they have won three in a row against the Chiefs after falling to them in the Super Bowl three seasons ago.
Hurts threw for just 101 yards and Barkley was held to 88 rushing by the Chiefs. But the Eagles in turn held Kansas City to 294 yards, stopped the Chiefs once on fourth down and came away with the only turnover at a pivotal point in the game.
“Take pride in winning, one, and take pride in what is required of you, two,” Hurts said. “The team defensively played lights-out. Offensively we played well when we needed to. And we just need to continue to build.”
Mahomes had just 187 yards passing, once again struggling to find open playmakers without suspended wide receiver Rashee Rice and injured teammate Xavier Worthy. Mahomes did have 66 yards and a touchdown on the ground.


