KC Chiefs Complimentary of Philadelphia Eagles Ahead of Week 11 Matchup

The Chiefs aren't taking the opposition lightly ahead of their Monday night matchup to end Week 11.

A few months into the 2023-24 season, the Kansas City Chiefs boast a 7-2 record to begin the year. They entered Week 11 as the top seed in the AFC. The Philadelphia Eagles, the NFC's current top team, are off to an 8-1 start. 

A year ago, these two clubs were in the same exact boat. Through nine games now, their records are identical to what they were roughly 12 months prior. Last season ended with both squads meeting in Super Bowl LVII, and this season sees them rank at or near the top of the odds lists to embark on a journey to a rematch.

Regardless of whether that collision course actually comes to fruition in February, an upcoming Monday Night Football outing between Kansas City and Philadelphia is set in stone. Speaking to the media on Thursday, Chiefs head coach Andy Reid tipped his cap to his old franchise and said not a ton is different now than the Super Bowl team.

“I wouldn’t say there’s much difference," Reid said. "Those receivers are still plenty good, and their quarterback is a good football player as is the running backs. I know they had an injury to the tight ends, so that would be a little different but they’ve got good players in those spots. Defensively, it’s really basically the same unit. A couple of those guys are older, but you can’t tell. Ninety-one (DT Fletcher Cox) and 55 (DE Brandon Graham) were there when I was there and they seem to get better with age.”

Much like the Chiefs, the Eagles have been winning games in a bit different style this year. Neither team's quarterback is playing at an out-of-this-world level, leading to some close calls and more balanced outcomes in specific games. Additionally, Philadelphia's pass defense is among the worst in the league after being arguably the best just one season ago. Both franchises have found ways to still win at excellent clips, although not necessarily appearing to be hands-down the best clubs in their conferences like they did in 2022. 

Reid, Mahomes Speak on Development of Chiefs’ WRs

With that said, a quick look at the Eagles' roster will still strike fear into just about anyone viewing it. On the defensive side of the ball, the team has plenty of notable names that stand out. Many of them — Graham, Cox, Jordan Davis, Josh Sweat, Jalen Carter — are up front. Capable of pulling off near-full platoon swaps at any point, Philadelphia's pass rush poses a serious challenge. Patrick Mahomes is well aware of it. 

“They’re really good," Mahomes said. "At the end of the day, that’s the main thing. They have a lot of the same players; they’ve added some more talent. (Their) D-line is special, one of the best D-lines I think I’ve ever seen, just waves of guys that can come in and play, a mixture of veterans and young guys. The DBs – two great DBs at the cornerback position – adding (Kevin) Byard and (Reed) Blankenship at the safety position. Linebackers, guys that have played in the league for a little bit now. They have a good defense in general – a great team – but a good defense in general, all aspects. For us, it will be a great challenge.”

Philadelphia's offense also contains a lot of players that need to be accounted for. It all starts with quarterback Jalen Hurts, who Chris Jones emphasizes is a must-stop in the ground game despite his talents as a passer. 

“Eliminate the run game," Jones said. "If we’re able to limit how many yards he gets per carry then I think we’re doing something good. Force hands in his face and take him down in the passing game. Get around him, overcrowd him. They have a such a good offensive line who have done really, really well so far this year, so we have to come up with schemes and everything to affect Jalen Hurts.”

Given the nature of an interconference matchup, this singular game won't doom either team's respective seasons. On the other hand, Kansas City has the Baltimore Ravens lurking behind them at 8-3 and Philadelphia has the 7-2 Detroit Lions fighting for any reason to climb up the standings. From a pure win-loss standpoint, as well as a measuring stick one, this game matters for both sides. Mahomes, like just about everyone else, is looking forward to the Super Bowl rematch.

“Yeah, it’s going to be a great game," Mahomes said. "Like you said, you have great teams in general – obviously Jalen is a great quarterback, but I think just the entire team on both sides – you never know how the game is going to go – it could be high-scoring, it could be low-scoring. Two teams that usually find a way to get a win playing on Monday Night Football in front of the whole world, it’s going to be a great game, and I’m glad it’s at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.”

Chris Jones Opens up About Pressure to Hit Contract Incentives