Top 5 Defensive Players to Watch at Super Bowl LIX as the Chiefs Take On the Eagles

A three-time All-Pro and six-time Pro Bowler, Chris Jones has been a force to be reckoned with on the defensive line ever since he set foot in the NFL. At 30 years old, he remains a dominant disruptor in the trenches. This season, he registered five sacks, 37 total tackles, and one forced fumble across 15 games—a slight dip from his 13.0 sacks per season average from 2022-23. Over his career, Jones has piled up 80.5 sacks and 13 forced fumbles, cementing his reputation as one of the league’s premier pass-rushers.

According to Pro Football Focus (PFF), Jones ranks first among defensive linemen in pass-rush grade (91.0), third overall (89.7), and 38th in run defense (64.3).

When the brightest stage calls, Jones delivers. Widely regarded as the top interior defensive lineman in the game, he thrives in high-stakes moments. Expect nothing less than a monster performance when he squares off against Philadelphia in Super Bowl LIX.

After making a big splash in his 2023 rookie season with the Eagles, Jalen Carter racked up six sacks and one forced fumble, earning himself a Pro Bowl nod in 2024. The defensive standout continued to make his presence felt this year, finishing the regular season with 4.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, six pass breakups, and 42 total tackles.

His standout playoff moment came in Philadelphia's divisional-round triumph over the Los Angeles Rams, where he delivered a dominant showing with two sacks and a forced fumble. According to Pro Football Focus (PFF), Carter ranks seventh among defensive linemen in pass-rush grade (81.5) and 22nd overall (74.1).

As one of the most promising young defenders in the league, Carter will look to make life difficult for Kansas City’s offense when the Eagles take the field in Super Bowl LIX.

The final line of defense will be crucial in limiting explosive plays for both teams. Kansas City relies on the hard-hitting tandem of Justin Reid and Bryan Cook, while Philadelphia counters with C.J. Gardner-Johnson and Reed Blankenship—both duos bringing a mix of physicality and playmaking instincts.

Gardner-Johnson has been one of the league's premier deep-cover safeties, holding opponents to a passer rating below 78 while providing the Eagles with elite range in the secondary. Blankenship, his reliable counterpart, helps keep coverage breakdowns to a minimum, ensuring a tight defensive unit. Their steady performances have been a key ingredient in Philadelphia’s defensive success this season.

McDuffie, a former All-Pro, has quickly become a cornerstone of Kansas City's defense in just three seasons. This year, he registered two interceptions, a forced fumble, 13 pass deflections, and 59 combined tackles. His ability to track top receivers week in and week out, disrupt passing lanes, and limit big passing plays has been instrumental.

According to Pro Football Focus, McDuffie ranks third among cornerbacks in overall grade (83.1), seventh in pass-rush grade (90.5), ninth in coverage grade (80.6), and 18th in run-defense grade (79.9) this season.

The middle of the field will be a fierce battleground for both squads. Kansas City will be without Drue Tranquill, Nick Bolton, and Leo Chenal, while Philadelphia responds with Zack Baun, Oren Burks, and Jeremiah Trotter Jr. The Eagles enter the matchup dealing with a significant loss to their linebacker corps following Nakobe Dean's injury, but Baun has stepped up in a big way.

Baun now takes charge of the linebacker unit after a season that saw him earn first-team All-Pro honors, logging 151 tackles, five forced fumbles, and 3.5 sacks. His ability to shut down the run and command the middle of the field has been crucial to the Eagles’ defensive success. Baun was also a key factor in Philadelphia's defensive dominance against the run during the postseason, where they allowed only 105.6 rushing yards per game.

1. CB Quinyon Mitchell (Eagles): Mitchell sustained a shoulder injury during the Eagles' NFC divisional-round victory over the Rams. Although he was initially listed as a limited participant on Wednesday's estimated report, his full participation in Thursday’s practice suggests he’ll be ready to play in Sunday's NFC Championship Game against the Commanders. The 2024 first-round pick wrapped up his inaugural NFL season with 46 tackles (37 solo) and 12 pass breakups in 16 games.
2. LB Nick Bolton (Chiefs): Kansas City's linebacker corps also features one of the league’s best in Nick Bolton. He is both a tackling machine and the playcaller of the defense.
3. DE George Karlaftis (Chiefs): A standout figure in this showdown is Chiefs defensive end George Karlaftis, a Greek-American force who plays a crucial role in disrupting the quarterback's rhythm from the middle. In a recent AFC Championship matchup against the Buffalo Bills, Karlaftis showcased his knack for collapsing the pocket and causing havoc.

   Karlaftis, widely recognized for his relentless drive and technique, will be a key contributor in the Super Bowl. His ability to create pressure from the interior fits seamlessly with the Chiefs’ defensive approach, which is anchored by a dominant unit led by Chris Jones.