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NEW ORLEANS — Even Taylor Swift couldn’t help the Kansas City Chiefs. 

The Chiefs were 19-3 with Swift in attendance heading into Super Bowl 59 in New Orleans on Sunday, including 9-0 in the playoffs. Luck appeared to be on Kansas City’s side as Swift watched the Chiefs go for a historic three-peat from Suite 445 in Caesars Superdome. But it appears the Red Era has officially ended. 

The Philadelphia Eagles defeated the Chiefs 40-22 in blowout fashion. Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, Swift’s beau, was held to four receptions for 39 yards. Although it marked the fewest yards in any of his five Super Bowl appearances, Kelce did surpass Hall of Famer Jerry Rice for the most catches in Super Bowl history (35) in the losing effort. That milestone didn’t offer much consolation to Kelce.

‘We haven’t played that bad all year,” Kelce told reporters at his locker. ‘Hats off to the Eagles, they got after us, all three phases. … Couldn’t get it going offensively. … Turnovers, penalties, playing behind the sticks on offense. Dropped passes, not taking advantage of the play calls and executing.”

SUPER BOWL 59: Eagles stun Chiefs in blowout, denying Kansas City historic title three-peat

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Is Travis Kelce retiring?

Kelce, 35, previously hinted at hanging up his cleats, revealing in November 2023 that he ponders retirement ‘more than anyone could ever imagine’ due to the wear and tear of his body. He didn’t address his future Sunday, nor did he make an appearance in the postgame interview room. 

Quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who completed 21 of 32 passes for 257 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions, said Kelce will “spend some time with his family and make that decision on his own.”

“He’s given so much to this team and to the NFL,” Mahomes said. “He has a lot of football left in him. You can see it. He always makes plays in the biggest moments, but it’s if he wants to put in that grind. It’s a grind out there to go out there and play 20 games and get to the Super Bowl. He’s done enough to be a gold jacket guy and a first-ballot Hall of Famer. But I know he still has love for the game.”

Mahomes said Kelce will always have a place on the Chiefs: “He knows he’ll come back here with open arms. We love that guy not only for the football player, but for who he is every single day.”

Travis Kelce joins Taylor Swift after loss

Following the loss, Kelce walked down to the 400-level suites where Swift and his family cheered him on during the game. Swift was accompanied in the suite near the 30-yard-line by rapper Ice Spice, the HAIM sisters, Kelce’s family — his mother Donna, father Ed, brother Jason and sister-in-law Kylie — and her brother Austin.

Swift and Ice Spice were shown on the Jumbotron during the first half and the duo drew a loud chorus of boos. Swift, a native of West Reading, Pennsylvania, looked puzzled on the screen. “What is going on?” she asked.

That’s what Chiefs fans found themselves asking all night long. The Chiefs trailed 24-0 by halftime, and despite getting on the board in the third quarter, it was too little, too late.

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NEW ORLEANS – The Kansas City Chiefs’ quest at an historic three-peat was cooked like a well-done Philly cheese streak.

Kansas City was completely outclassed by the Philadelphia Eagles in a 40-22 Super Bowl 59 rout. The final score wasn’t indicative of how lopsided the game was.  

“Credit to the Eagles. They played better than us from start to finish. We didn’t start how we wanted to. Obviously, the turnovers hurt. I take all the blame for that,” Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes said. “I didn’t play to my standard, and I have to be better the next time.”

The Eagles flew out to a 24-0 first half advantage behind a dominant defensive effort and timely plays from Jalen Hurts and the offense. The Chiefs was shutout and held to just one first down in the first half.

Kansas City’s offense was outgained 179-23 at halftime.

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The dam broke in the second half when Hurts threw a 46-yard touchdown to wide receiver DeVonta Smith to give Philadelphia a resounding 34-0 lead with under three minutes remaining in the third period.

To make matter worse, Mahomes was striped sacked in Kansas City territory midway through the fourth quarter. The Eagles connected on a field goal after the takeaway to pad their massive lead to 40-6.  

Super Bowl 59 was decided early enough that Eagles coach Nick Sirianni received a Gatorade shower with almost three minutes left in the fourth quarter.

“(Sunday) was a rough day. We didn’t really play well in any of the phases (and) didn’t coach good enough,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said. “We’ll learn from this. Most games here when you don’t do very well, you learn from it as a coach, learn from it as a player and you move on.”

Reid boiled the performance down to a rough day and Mahomes put the onus on himself after three giveaways.

“I threw two interceptions. I threw a pick-six and I threw a pick that they returned to the (14-yard line),’ Mahomes said. ‘They scored immediately after. When you give a team 14 points, especially a really good football team, a Super Bowl football team, not a lot of good things happen. That’s why I take ownership in this loss, probably more than any loss in my entire career because I put us in a bad spot.”

However, Kansas City’s offensive line didn’t play well, and it had a domino effect on the Chiefs quarterback.  

Mahomes was under siege the entire night. He was sacked a career-high six times and intercepted twice, including a pick-six. Philadelphia generated a pressure rate of 38% and didn’t blitz once, per Next Gen stats. The Eagles front four forced 16 total pressures.

“No. 1 defense in the league. They definitely came out and showed that tonight,” Chiefs tackle Jawaan Taylor said to USA TODAY Sports. “They were getting around the ball. Trying to create as much pressure on the quarterback as possible. They had a great night tonight.”

The Kansas City’s offensive line was manhandled in a performance that was reminiscent of the team’s Super Bowl 55 loss where Mahomes was sacked three times and under duress for most of the contest. Mahomes had a 52.3 passer rating in Super Bowl 55.

“I think it’s a humbling experience,” Taylor added. “Let’s us know to keep working and not get complacent and not get comfortable.”

Sunday’s loss gives Mahomes a 3-2 career Super Bowl record. He talked for over 10 minutes postgame and took the blame for the defeat, as franchise quarterbacks and leaders typically do, but it was terrible performance by the entire Chiefs team – particularly the O-line.

“Both sucked,” Mahomes said about his two Super Bowl losses. “Anytime you lose a Super Bowl, it’s the worse feeling in the world. They stick with you the rest of your career. These will be the two losses that will motivate me to be even better for the rest of my career. You only get so few of these. You have to capitalize on these. They hurt probably more than the wins feel good.”

This post appeared first on USA TODAY

NEW ORLEANS – On their birthday cake this year, Cooper DeJean and Saquon Barkley had the Lombardi Trophy. 

It was an especially memorable affair for DeJean, who turned 22 and intercepted Patrick Mahomes in the second quarter for his first career pick. He then returned it 38 yards – putting his expertise as the team’s punt returner to good use – for a touchdown to make it 17-0 and tip the balance of the game for good. He became the first player in Super Bowl history to intercept a pass or score a touchdown on his birthday.

All DeJean thought during the return, he said after the Eagles dismantled the Kansas City Chiefs 40-22, was “score a touchdown.” He patiently waited for his fellow defenders to clear out the chasing Chiefs’ offensive linemen, who really had no chance, and the former University of Iowa standout’s speed took care of the rest. 

‘The kid made a great play,’ Mahomes said after the game.

DeJean didn’t end up winning Super Bowl MVP honors – that went to Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts – but he had the most important play of the game. 

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“I was trying to find the fastest way to the end zone,” he said. “Luckily, I got some blocks out there. I had to avoid some of those big guys, but it was just our defense working together like we have all year. It fell right into my lap.” 

That may be minimizing the play. Mahomes rolled right on third-and-16 and tried to find DeAndre Hopkins, who was covered. DeJean read it all the way and plucked the ball. 

“I’ve been dreaming of this since I was a kid, watching this game growing up. Now it’s here and now I get to wear a big old ring on my finger whenever we get it, hold that trophy – it’s amazing.”

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DeJean started returning punts for the team in Week 3 and had some tough moments fielding the ball with two fumbles lost. But he also displayed playmaking ability and averaged 10.05 yards per return in 21 chances. 

At Lincoln Financial Field during Eagles home games, when he is announced as the punt returner, the Philly faithful unleashes an honorific “Coooop!” response. 

“It’s awesome. To hear that chant, to be able to score a touchdown, is pretty cool,” said DeJean, who had three tackles. “I’m just happy to be here and be a part of this organization. We’ve got a great fanbase, and they support us all the way through the ups and downs. I know they’re back home partying on Broad Street right now.”

DeJean finished fourth in Defensive Rookie of the Year voting (fellow Eagles rookie cornerback Quinyon Mitchell was second). He broke up nine passes during the regular season and had three in three playoff games prior to the Super Bowl. 

Since his arrival in Philadelphia, DeJean said, the veterans have helped bring along the rookie class, namely himself and Mitchell. They passed along wisdom and advice from the football field to the larger adjustment from college to the NFL. 

“Now, to be here on the biggest stage and be able to hold that Lombardi Trophy and do it on my birthday and Saquon’s birthday,” DeJean said, “it’s pretty crazy.”  

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NEW ORLEANS – Brandon Graham felt like Jerome Bettis. 

But unlike “The Bus,” the Philadelphia Eagles defensive lineman did not immediately retire after winning the Lombardi Trophy. 

“I feel like Jerome Bettis the year he went out in Detroit,” Graham said outside of the Eagles’ locker room following his team’s 40-22 win over the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl 59, referencing the ex-Pittsburgh Steelers running back’s retirement announcement in the aftermath of the team’s win in Super Bowl 40 after the 2005 season. “I feel like getting a two-piece for Philly – it should be three, but it’s all good. I’ll take my two. I’m thankful. I can’t wait to celebrate in Philly. This parade (is) about to be crazy.” 

That sounded like someone on the verge of announcing his retirement, and the 2024 season had functioned as a farewell tour for the 15-year veteran. But a torn triceps suffered Week 12 made a comeback for one last ride a possibility. 

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During his media appearances in New Orleans, Graham maintained he was focused on regaining his health to come back for the final game of this season before making any decision. 

“I ain’t there yet. Just going to enjoy this,” Graham said. “Who knows? Howie (Roseman) might call me. But you know what? If it is my last one, it was hell of a way to go out. Too thankful. And I ain’t going nowhere. I’m going to be a part of the organization somehow.’

If Graham is done playing, he’s not technically leaving the Eagles. He’s an institution in Philadelphia at this point, the hero of Super Bowl 52 who strip-sacked Tom Brady in the final minutes to defeat the New England Patriots. 

One potential landing spot is in the front office. Graham said he wants to learn from Roseman “as much as I can.” 

“We got some special stuff going on. We got the special sauce,” Graham said. “I want to be a part of that. Even if I am done (playing), that’s why I ain’t done with this organization. I’m going to be here somehow some way.” 

This post appeared first on USA TODAY

For two years, Jalen Hurts had a photo prominently displayed on his phone showing him in defeat. Time for a change. Eagles quarterback is a winner.
Jalen Hurts dazzles while Philadelphia harrasses Chiefs’ Patrick Mahomes into a rough night.
No need for hyperbole, but just state the facts: Jalen Hurts is a Super Bowl winner.

NEW ORLEANS – Jalen Hurts closed his eyes while the national anthem played before kickoff Sunday, wearing a pensive look while he chomped on gum.

What must the Philadelphia Eagles quarterback have been thinking in that moment?

I’ll tell you what I thought: That looks like a man who’s going to need a new cellphone lock screen photo in a few hours.

For two years, Hurts made it so that whenever he grabbed his phone, he’d see a photo of him walking off the field amid a downfall of red and yellow confetti after the Kansas City Chiefs beat Philadelphia in Super Bowl 57.

Hurts played well that night. Patrick Mahomes played better.

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Hurts never cared to talk in depth about why he lodged that snapshot onto his phone, but the working theory became that the image offered an extra ounce of motivation as an ever-present, humbling reminder of the Eagles coming up short of the NFL’s top prize in their last trip to the grandest stage in sports.

“Let’s just see if it changes,” Hurts told the NFL Network before Super Bowl 59, when asked about his lock-screen photo.

Yes, cue some fresh art, something that reflects the Eagles’ 40-22 dismantling of Kansas City on Sunday.

How’s this for an image: Hurts standing on the LIX Super Bowl logo, his right fist in the air, triumphant, after A.J. Brown ran into the end zone on the receiving end of a touchdown toss from his quarterback.

Moments later, Eagles fans sang another round of, “Fly, Eagles, Fly.”

With the Eagles flying, Hurts thriving and Philly’s defense driving Chiefs linemen backward, Philadelphia smashed Kansas City at the Superdome.

Jalen Hurts dazzles, Patrick Mahomes struggles in Super Bowl 59

Another lasting image came a quarter later. After Hurts’ 46-yard dime to DeVonta Smith for another touchdown, his offensive linemen came one by one to offer Hurts a high-five or a handshake as Hurts gave them affection taps on the helmet.

Those big fellas carved out clean pockets for Hurts, and he cooked a Chiefs secondary helpless to stop the Eagles’ receivers. It became as simple as pitch and catch, really, and when Hurts didn’t find something to his liking, he picked appropriate opportunities to run.

‘I’ve been able to use every experience and learn from it – the good, the bad, all of it. Use it as fuel to pursue my own greatness,’ Hurts, named the game’s Most Valuable Player, said after the win. ‘I couldn’t do any of these things without the guys behind me. We’ve got a special group this year. We were able to learn from the past and get some nice new pieces and get over the hump.’

Now, about that cell phone photo … time to make the swap?

‘I don’t know,’ Hurts said. ‘Maybe it’s something that needs to stay there so I can come back here.’

Pregame chatter among scribes on press row probably mirrored the conversation among friends over beers and snacks at Super Bowl parties: Which team would win?

The consensus among those I spoke with was that the Eagles possessed a better all-around team than Kansas City, but how do you bet against Super Bowl Superman, also known as Mahomes? By halftime, it had become clear: Mahomes didn’t have it on this night. He hardly resembled the three-time Super Bowl champion he is, looking more like the quarterback under duress from his only previous Super Bowl loss, to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Eagles harassed Mahomes into three turnovers.

In the days before kickoff, the praise for Mahomes jumped the rails. Mahomes is generally splendid, one for the ages – even if he wasn’t Sunday – but all that GOAT chatter this week? Did we enter a brain fog and forget the guy with the chin dimple who owns seven rings?

As long as we’re throwing around exaggerations, let me try one: That Kendrick Lamar halftime show was the greatest of all time!

Sorry, but good or even excellent does not necessarily qualify for GOAT.

Put respect on Jalen Hurts’ name and a new photo on his phone

At the other end of the hyperbolic spectrum, early playoff critiques of Hurts were inflated, too. Like this sensationalized headline from Fox Sports after the Eagles gutted out a win against the Los Angeles Rams in the divisional round: What’s wrong with Jalen Hurts?

Not a thing wrong with him, turns out. The Eagles just leaned on Saquon Barkley and their defense to survive the Rams in a game played in the snow.

In about the only compliment you could give the Chiefs, they bottled up Barkley, leaving Hurts to shoulder the offense. He dazzled to the tune of 221 passing yards and two touchdowns through the air and 72 yards and a score on the ground, outrushing Barkley.

Hurts became the first quarterback in Oklahoma history to finish his college career as a Sooner and go on to win a Super Bowl. Well, are we calling Hurts a Sooner or associating him with Alabama, where he played his first three seasons?

Either works. He honors both. Just call him a Super Bowl champion. He’s now got a ring coming to cement what he’s proven throughout his entire career, from Alabama to Oklahoma to the NFL. He’s a winner.

Time to change his cell phone photo to reflect that.   

Blake Toppmeyer is a columnist for the USA TODAY Network. Email him at BToppmeyer@gannett.com and follow him on X @btoppmeyer. Subscribe to read all of his columns.

This post appeared first on USA TODAY

U.S. President Donald Trump said Sunday that he remains committed to the U.S. purchasing and owning Gaza, but that he may allow Middle Eastern countries to rebuild sections of the area ravaged by the Israel-Hamas war.

Trump made the comment when speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on his way to New Orleans for the Super Bowl.

‘I’m committed to buying and owning Gaza,’ Trump said. ‘As far as us rebuilding it, we may give it to other states in the Middle East to build sections of it, other people may do it, through our auspices. But we’re committed to owning it, taking it, and making sure that Hamas doesn’t move back.’

‘There’s nothing to move back into. The place is a demolition site. The remainder will be demolished. Everything’s demolished,’ he said.

The president also said he was open to the possibility of allowing some Palestinian refugees into the U.S. but that those requests would be handled on a case-by-case basis.

Trump said last week at a joint press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that he wants the U.S. to take over Gaza after Palestinians are resettled in other countries.

‘The U.S. will take over the Gaza Strip, and we will do a job with it, too,’ Trump said at the time. ‘We’ll own it and be responsible for dismantling all of the dangerous, unexplored bombs and other weapons on the site.’

‘Level the site and get rid of the destroyed buildings, level it out, create an economic development that will supply unlimited numbers of jobs and housing for the people of the area,’ he added. ‘Do a real job. Do something different. Just can’t go back. If you go back, it’s going to end up the same way it has for 100 years.’

Several countries have criticized Trump’s comments about taking over Gaza, which was bombarded by Israeli forces in the conflict sparked by Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023, attack against the Jewish State.

Trump also said on Jan. 25 that he wanted Jordan, Egypt and other Arab nations to accept more Palestinian refugees from Gaza, potentially moving out enough people to ‘just clean out’ the area.

‘You’re talking about probably a million and a half people, and we just clean out that whole thing and say, ‘You know, it’s over,” he said at the time.

Palestinians feared during the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza, which is now under a ceasefire, that they would suffer from another ‘Nakba,’ meaning catastrophe in Arabic, which refers to the displacement and dispossession of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians during the 1948 war at the birth of the State of Israel.

Earlier on Sunday, Israeli President Isaac Herzog told Fox News’ Maria Bartiromo when asked about Trump’s plan to take over Gaza that the U.S. president was slated to meet with Jordan’s King Abdullah II, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and possibly Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

‘President Trump is due to meet with major, major Arab leaders, first and foremost the king of Jordan and the president of Egypt and I think also the crown prince of Saudi Arabia as well,’ Herzog said.

‘These are partners that must be listened to, they must be discussed with. We have to honor their feelings as well and see how we build a plan that is sustainable for the future,’ he added.

Saudi Arabia is among the many countries that have rejected Trump’s plan to take over Gaza. Jordan’s King Abdullah II reportedly plans to tell Trump during their scheduled meeting on Tuesday that the proposal is a recipe for radicalism that will spread chaos throughout the Middle East and put at risk the kingdom’s peace with Israel.

Reuters contributed to this report.

This post appeared first on FOX NEWS

Tom Brady is no stranger to the Super Bowl, but he was in a peculiar spot for Super Bowl 59: on the mic.

The seven-time Super Bowl champion isn’t playing for the Lombardi Trophy anymore, and called his first title game as an announcer for Fox. There was plenty of build-up for Brady’s debut season as an analyst – which is worth $37.5 million annually for 10 years – and it got off to a shaky start in September. He has admitted it’s been a tough transition, but as the season went on, Brady got better with more experience. It’s been a promising sign since it’s been known ahead of the season Brady would be thrown into the fire, being on television in front of millions of viewers for the grandest sporting event in the U.S.

So how did Brady do calling his first Super Bowl? Here are some of the key moments and reactions from the Fox analyst.

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Tom Brady watch

Brady flexed before the game even started by showing off his glamorous gold watch that reportedly cost more than $700,000.

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Tom Brady uses Super Bowl experience to his advantage

Obviously since Brady has played in so many Super Bowls, he offered plenty of insight into what it was like to play in it, all the way from the preparations hours before kickoff to what to do in between drives and at halftime. The details were some valuable information viewers haven’t really gotten before, especially since Brady’s runs to the big game were so recent and easy to recall.

Too many callbacks

While the insight into what a Super Bowl is like was refreshing, it became overdone after some time. It felt like there were constant reminders Brady has won seven Super Bowls and other references to his playing career.

Disagreement with referees

Brady did not hold back early in the game with his disagreement on an offensive pass interference called on A.J. Brown on a fourth-down play in the first quarter. When he saw a replay of the controversial call, he groaned and said ‘don’t like that one bit.’

‘Just too critical of a game,’ he added.

On the ensuing Eagles drive, it was extended thanks to an unnecessary roughness call on Kansas City’s Trent McDuffie against Philadelphia tight end Dallas Goedert. McDuffie appeared to make contact with Goedert’s head, but Brady didn’t think it was a good call either, and even called back on his tuck rule call.

Noticing body language of Patrick Mahomes

It was like Brady almost spoke a play to existence. With Kansas City down 10-0 and Mahomes sacked on back-to-back plays, Brady said he was looking at Mahomes’ feet and was noticing he didn’t look comfortable with the pass protection. On the next play, Mahomes rolled out and made a costly mistake trying to force a throw with an interception that was returned for a pick-six by rookie Cooper DeJean.

Mahomes’ feet were something Brady looked at during various points when the Chiefs quarterback faced pressure.

Some ‘ooohs’ and ‘ahhhs’

All football fans are guilty of getting excited on potential game-changing plays, but when calling a game, it’s not ideal to do. On some of the early plays, Brady couldn’t contain himself and got in the way of Kevin Burkhardt’s calls in moments where he didn’t need to. As the game progressed, Brady was able to dial it back and let Burkhardt do what he does best.

Tom Brady disses Kevin Hart

Brady doesn’t forget. As the game headed into blowout territory, the commentary team needed to find something to talk about, and Brady made sure to make a playful jab at one of the famous people in the crowd. After comedian Kevin Hart was shown on the broadcast, Brady asked ‘how do the cameras find Kevin Hart?’

It was a clear shot at Hart’s height, and Brady was likely trying to get back at Hart for what he said at the Tom Brady roast.

‘Kevin, I love you. You took so many shots at me in May, I’m coming right back at you,’ Brady said.

Missed calls

Of course, Brady didn’t call a perfect game on the microphone with some errors that were likely caught by most of the audience.

His first one came at the end of the first quarter when a flag was thrown on a third-down play, and Brady indicated it happened in the secondary. It turned out to be an offsides penalty.

One of the notable moments came not long after the first miss. After Jalen Hurts threw an interception early in the second quarter, Brady was giving his analysis of the play when he got cut off by the broadcast, showing he took a little too long to get his thought process through.

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The Philadelphia Eagles won Super Bowl 59 over the Kansas City Chiefs 40-22 in what was a dominant display by the NFC champions in New Orleans. Philadelphia held a 34-0 lead into the third quarter before the Chiefs finally got on the board with three touchdowns in the final 18 minutes of game time.

Philadelphia’s defense took control early and held Kansas City to just 23 yards on offense in the first half. It wasn’t until that first touchdown drive that the Chiefs were able to find any success in a rough day for quarterback Patrick Mahomes and company.

This was Kansas City’s third Super Bowl in a row but one player was in the big game for the first time: wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins. The three-time first-team All-Pro wideout came to Kansas City via trade during the season and started the second half of the season for the Chiefs after a rash of injuries.

After the loss, Hopkins spoke to media members and had some comments about the officiating. Here’s what he said.

DeAndre Hopkins on Super Bowl officiating

Hopkins was one of multiple Chiefs players to speak to media members after the loss.

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‘It’s my first year being with the Chiefs and I saw a lot of things in the media about the refs but obviously, what are y’all gonna say now about the refs and us?’ Hopkins said rhetorically. ‘There was a lot of touchy calls. Are y’all gonna report that? Are y’all gonna talk about the refs now?’

There were some concerns about missed or questionable calls in the Chiefs’ AFC championship game win over the Bills.

Kansas City Chiefs penalties in the Super Bowl

The Eagles had more penalties than the Chiefs (eight to seven) but Kansas City racked up more penalty yards (75 to 59). Here’s what each penalty was for:

First quarter

Unnecessary roughness (15 yards), CB Trent McDuffie
Defensive offside (5 yards), DE Charles Omenihu

Second quarter

Unnecessary roughness (15 yards), LB Nick Bolton
Offensive holding (10 yards), G Trey Smith

Third quarter

Offensive holding (10 yards), OT Jawaan Taylor
Illegal block above the waist (10 yards), S Jaden Hicks

Fourth quarter

Offensive pass interference (10 yards), WR JuJu Smith-Schuster

Deandre Hopkins stats

Hopkins had two catches for 18 yards and a touchdown against the Eagles.

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Anthony Davis has already experienced a level of highs and lows during his first week as a member of the Dallas Mavericks.

Davis made his debut in Dallas at the American Airlines Center on Saturday and produced a solid performance before having his outing cut short.

The big man was traded to the Mavericks in a shocking trade that sent guard Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers in return.

Davis’ debut with the Mavericks hit a snag that neither he nor any of the fan base would have wanted, especially after a vocal portion was already unhappy about the trade.

All things Mavs: Latest Dallas Mavericks news, schedule, roster, stats, injury updates and more.

Anthony Davis injury update

Davis is expected to miss time after suffering a left adductor strain in the 116-105 victory over the Houston Rockets. He is expected to miss several weeks due to the strain, according to ESPN’s Sham Charania.

Davis was listed on the injury report before his debut with an abdominal strain.

Will Anthony Davis miss the All-Star game?

Davis is unlikely to return for the Mavericks until after the NBA All-Star break, meaning he will also miss the All-Star Game.

He was named an All-Star for the 10th time in his 13-year NBA career.

How was Anthony Davis injured?

Davis appeared to suffer the injury in the third quarter as he was shuffling toward the basket to defend against Rockets center Alperen Şengün. 

Davis stopped short and initially placed his arm near his waist as Şengün blew right past him for a dunk. Davis immediately fell to his knees.

Davis was listed as doubtful for the rest of the game due to a ‘lower-body injury’ despite trying to return.

Davis told reporters in the locker room after the game that he felt tightness in his ‘groin/quad area’ but it was ‘not serious.’

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Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator Kellen Moore is expected to land the New Orleans Saints’ head coach vacancy with Super Bowl 59 now in the books.

Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni is hoping the Eagles’ 40-22 victory may change Moore’s mind about leaving.

Sirianni spoke about the Eagles’ first-year coordinators, Moore and NFL veteran Vic Fangio, during the Lombardi Trophy presentation after Super Bowl 59.

He had a simple message for Moore, that was captured by Fox’s Terry Bradshaw.

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‘Let’s run this (expletive) back, Kellen,’ Sirianni said.

It’s easy to understand why Sirianni would want Moore to return. The 36-year-old’s first season with the Eagles was a success, as Philadelphia’s offense ranked seventh in the league in points per game and eighth in yards per game while seeing Saquon Barkley become just the ninth-ever NFL player to run for 2,000 yards.

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But would Moore legitimately consider spurning the Saints at the alter? ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports Moore has ‘privately told people he wants the Saints job’ so it’s hard to imagine Sirianni’s dream coming to pass.

As such, the Eagles may find themselves looking for a new offensive coordinator for a third consecutive offseason.

This post appeared first on USA TODAY