Sometimes, the difference in a game is a key player, like Patrick Mahomes, and sometimes the difference is coaching. For the Chiefs, the margin of victory depended heavily upon both.  

Mahomes reinjured his ankle just before the half but gutted it out in the second half and made spectacular plays when it mattered the most. The Chiefs’ coaches made strategic changes after the first half that turned the game around. Their coverage was much tighter on Eagles receivers in the second half. On offense, the Chiefs found some weaknesses in the Eagles’ zone defense, resulting in second-half drives that were far more efficient — and two touchdown passes where receivers were totally uncovered.

Eagles' QB Jalen Hurts, had a record-breaking Super Bowl but also made one critical mistake. The Eagles would have had a 17-point lead at the half except for Hurts’ fumble, which gave the Chiefs an instant touchdown. 

But my biggest takeaway of the game was the fact that, in the second half, the Eagles’ vaunted defensive line was unsuccessful at disrupting the Chiefs’ offense. KC outscored Philly 24-11 in the second half, and it took every bit of that to overcome the Eagles’ dominance in the first half.

Now, what about that defensive holding penalty that spelled doom for the Eagles? I have several comments: 1) I hate to see a penalty have such an impact; 2) but I think a foul should be a foul, no matter when it occurs during the course of a game; 3) the bigger problem is that in recent NFL history, the league has been failing to call penalties on a lot of holding and pass interference; 4) so I think the NFL needs to make up its mind and push its referees for more consistency.

Like the sloppy field in Arizona, the handful of questionable referee calls were a distraction — not enough to color my overall impression of the game: 'well-played'.

I was surprised that Mahomes performed so well despite that disruptive injury; he managed just enough magic to defeat both the Bengals and the Eagles, so this year, the title of MVP is unquestionably appropriate.
 
I don’t try to predict an MVP (or any statistical leaders), preferring to broaden my view to the entire team — even while acknowledging that superstars have a greater-than-average impact. I am ok with trying to predict game outcomes. I went over 60% during the playoffs. ‘I ain’t mad at cha’, Patrick — even though 'Mahomes Magic' accounted for two of my incorrect predictions — because (again) I was thoroughly entertained.
 
As players and coaches head out for more celebrations and interviews, we fans close the book on another NFL season. One nice thing I like about the timing of the Super Bowl — it also comes around the time I start closing the book on another winter.
 
Until next time, cheers!