Chiefs' Travis Kelce's huge mistake helps Eagles prevail in Super Bowl rematch, dropping Kansas City to 0-2

Just as they did in Super Bowl LIX, the Philadelphia Eagles once again came up victorious against the Kansas City Chiefs in Sunday's Week 2 showdown. The Eagles' 20-17 win moved them to 2-0 on the season, while the three-time defending AFC Champion Chiefs are now 0-2.

Unlike the Super Bowl, this was a close and competitive game throughout. The biggest difference between the two teams on this day was the game's only turnover. The turnover was the result of a juggled pass by Travis Kelce that was picked off by Eagles safety Andrew Mukuba. The pick set up a Jalen Hurts touchdown, which would eventually be the difference in the game.

Down 20-10 late, Patrick Mahomes gave the Chiefs hope with a 49-yard bomb to Tyquan Thornton. But it was too little, too late, as the Eagles chewed up the rest of the game clock after Hurts converted on yet another quarterback sneak.

The game's first touchdown was courtesy of Eagles running back Saquon Barkley, whose 13-yard scamper was longer than any of his carries in the Super Bowl. The Chiefs responded with a touchdown run by Mahomes before both teams traded field goals to end the first half.

Here are the biggest takeaways from Sunday's game.

Play of the game

While they were down 13-10, the Chiefs appeared to have momentum at the start of the fourth quarter. Mahomes was finding his rhythm and had Kansas City in position to take the lead.

But the 14-play, 74-yard drive that took over eight minutes off the clock ended with Kelce juggling Mahomes' pass in the end zone. The pass was instead secured by Mukuba, who would have likely scored on the play if not for an incredible play by Chiefs rookie tackle Josh Simmons.

The Eagles offense took full advantage of the turnover on their ensuing possession. Facing a third-and-10, Hurts lofted a 50-50 ball deep downfield to DeVonta Smith, who outmuscled Chiefs cornerback Trent McDuffie for possession.

With the ball inside the Chiefs' 5-yard-line, everyone knew what was coming: the Tush Push. The Chiefs stopped Philadelphia's controversial play on third down, but Hurts and Co. found pay dirt on fourth-and-goal.

This sequence by the Eagles was complementary football at its best, which helped Philadelphia win last year's Super Bowl and is a big reason for its 2-0 start to 2025.

Saquon Barkley steps up

A big question heading into the game was whether or not the Chiefs' defense would once again focus on containing Barkley while forcing Hurts to beat them. The Chiefs decided to focus on Hurts this time, and while the strategy worked for a while, Barkley and the rest of the Eagles' offense ultimately prevailed.

Sans his touchdown run, Barkley was a forgotten man in the first half, gaining 30 yards on six carries and catching two passes for six yards. In the second half, though, the Eagles fed their 2,000-yard back, who responded with a hard-earned 58 yards on 16 carries.

All told, Barkley ran for 88 yards on 22 carries, seven months after rushing for 57 yards on 25 carries in the Super Bowl. While Sunday wasn't his best day from a statistical standpoint, it was nonetheless a vintage performance from the NFL's best running back against one of the league's better defenses.

Patrick Mahomes needs more help

Barkley's success on Sunday was not only a reminder of the versatility of the Eagles' offense; it was also a reminder of everything the Chiefs' offense currently lacks. While Mahomes outplayed Hurts from a statistical standpoint, he doesn't have nearly enough help. That is the biggest reason for Kansas City's 0-2 start.

Sure, the Chiefs didn't help themselves when Harrison Butker missed a field goal in the first half. Kelce's mistake on the interception was a massive moment in the game, too. But because of their lack of playmakers, the Chiefs need to play an almost perfect game if they are going to win. That wasn't the case Sunday.

With Rashee Rice suspended and fellow wideout Xavier Worthy injured, Mahomes had to lean more on Kelce, who caught four passes for 61 yards. In addition to having a weakened receiving corps, Mahomes also had to shoulder the load in terms of the Chiefs' running game. His 66 yards rushing (on just seven carries) was 35 yards more than Kansas City's second leading rusher, Kareem Hunt.

In Mahomes, the Chiefs still have one of the NFL's best players. But until they get him more help, Mahomes will be fighting an uphill battle.

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