Mahomes’ legacy v Hurts’ destiny: Incredible history already made in Super Bowl for the ages — Guide

With the Cardinals being eliminated before the playoffs even began, this will be the first time since 2019 that the host team won’t compete in the Super Bowl game. Not only have the past two host cities had the hometown team representing them but both the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2020 and the Los Angeles Rams in 2021 hoisted the Lombardi Trophy in their home stadiums.

This year’s Super Bowl also marks the first time in NFL history that two black quarterbacks have played off in the NFL’s showpiece event, after years of difficulty even getting the league to accept African-Americans at the position – a historic step forward.

So will it be Philadelphia’s star quarterback Jalen Hurts – who has taken his game to a whole new level this season – silencing his doubters once and for all on his way to his maiden Super Bowl victory?

Or will Patrick Mahomes continue his unprecedented run to start his career by leading the Chiefs to their second Lombardi Trophy in four years to set up the possibility of the next great dynasty?

What’s better than a heavyweight clash between the two best teams in the NFL?

Two of our very own in ex-NRL hopeful Jordan Mailata and former AFL player Arryn Siposs representing Australia on the biggest stage in US Sports.

It’s Super Bowl LVII – or 57, for those of you who are a little rusty with your Roman numerals – and below is everything you need to know ahead of the big game.

MORE SUPER BOWL NEWS

RIVAL INJURY HELL AND A FRIENDLY SCHEDULE: Eagles’ ‘extremely lucky’ Super Bowl run could backfire

‘I’M GONNA PUSH IT’: Superstar QB still not ‘100 per cent’ but ready to ‘leave it all on the line’

SERENA WILLIAMS TO BREAKING BAD: 2023 Super Bowl’s epic ads that cost $10m for 30 seconds

HOW CAN I WATCH SUPER BOWL 57 IN AUSTRALIA?

Super Bowl 57 starts at 10:30am AEDT on Monday February 13 from State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona – home of the Arizona Cardinals. This will be the third time that Arizona has hosted the NFL’s showpiece event (2008 and 2015).

It will be shown on Seven as well as ESPN via Channel 509 on Foxtel or Kayo.

Seven’s coverage begins at 10am AEDT and will feature the US broadcast of the game, with FOX’s Kevin Burkhardt and Greg Olsen calling the game, while Erin Andrews and Tom Rinaldi will be on the sidelines for reports, plus Mike Pereira as the rules analyst.

ESPN’s coverage begins at 8:30am AEDT followed by the main broadcast which begins at 10am AEDT. ESPN viewers will experience the most in-depth coverage and behind-the-scenes access to the pinnacle event, with the game itself being called exclusively for Australian and New Zealand audiences by Steve Levy, Dan Orlovsky and Louis Riddick inside State Farm Stadium. ESPN will also broadcast the half-time show.

Watch every minute of Super Bowl LVII, LIVE on ESPN on Kayo Sports. Philadelphia Eagles vs Kansas City Chiefs Live Monday 13th Feb from 10AM AEDT. New to Kayo? Start your free trial now >

WHO IS PERFORMING IN THE SUPER BOWL 57 HALF-TIME SHOW AND WHEN IS IT?

After five different performers headlined last year’s Super Bowl half-time show, the NFL has decided to return to the traditional set up of a singular act for the Super Bowl 57 half-time show – with nine-time Grammy Award winning artist Rihanna this year’s star of the show.

However, fans can expect the second-best-selling female musician of all time to invite some notable guests to join her on stage – with those guests likely to be announced at a later date, but some of the leading contenders on Betr are JAY-Z ($1.44), Calvin Harris ($1.57), Drake ($2), and of course Rihanna’s baby daddy A$AP Rocky ($2.25).

DPS and JAY-Z’s Roc Nation will produce the show alongside executive producer Jesse Collins and director Hamish Hamilton.

It will run for roughly 11 minutes and begin some time just after midday AEDT.

“The Super Bowl is one of the biggest stages in the world, it’s an entertainer’s dream to be on a stage like that,” Rihanna told ET in November.

“But it’s nerve-racking. You want to get it right. You know, everybody’s watching. And they’re rooting for you. And I want to get it right.

“I want to incorporate different aspects of entertainment and things that I just enjoy and bring it to the stage. I want to celebrate the music that I’ve made.”

WHO IS PERFORMING THE NATIONAL ANTHEM?

From Lady Gaga’s angelic Super Bowl 50 performance to Jennifer Hudson’s powerful rendition back in 2009, there have been some all-time great Super Bowl national anthem performances.

And of course who can forget the most iconic Super Bowl performance of them all, Whitney Houston’s breathtaking version all the way back at Super Bowl 25.

In America the national anthem is a big, big deal and this year the honour (and pressure) of singing “The Star-Spangled Banner” before Super Bowl 57 will go to Country music superstar Chris Stapleton.

MORE NFL NEWS

‘SCANDAL UNFOLDING IN PLAIN SIGHT’: A bad coach, an ‘insane’ contract and why he’ll never be sacked

GAP YEAR: Tom Brady waiting until 2024 to enter NFL commentary booth

ROUGH PATCH: Bizarre theory behind $254m NFL commentator’s struggle as network stages ‘intervention’

TRIGGER WARNING: Horrifying details emerge after NFL rookie’s rape indictment

AUSSIES IN THE SUPER BOWL

Jordan Mailata – Philadelphia Eagles

Jordan Mailata is without doubt the biggest name Aussie currently playing in the NFL.

Mailata was selected by the Philadelphia Eagles in the seventh-round of the 2018 NFL draft and despite multiple injury setbacks early in his career, the 25-year-old offensive lineman signed a mammoth four-year extension with Philly in 2021, which was worth up to $80 million ($118m) and included $40.85 million ($A60m) guaranteed – marking the richest contract ever for an Australian in the NFL.

He took over for an injured starter in 2020, earning the full-time job in 2021 and is now widely considered among the best tackles in the league.

The 6-foot-8, 165-kilogram left tackle is just one win away from winning the Super Bowl this season.

When he steps out onto State Farm Stadium for Monday morning’s Super Bowl against the Kansas City Chiefs, he will not only be the biggest player in the game but he will also have the most important role.

Mailata is in his fifth full season in the league and his rapid development has earned him plenty of plaudits from around the NFL, but on Monday morning he’ll face the brightest lights of his career to date.

When the Eagles take on the Chiefs, it will be his job to protect star quarterback Jalen Hurts’ blind side and try to contain Kansas City’s opportunistic defensive front including Chris Jones, who is coming off a dominating performance against the Bengals in the AFC Championship game.

That’s why his performance will go a long way toward determining whether or not Philly hoist their second Lombardi Trophy.

Despite drawing some criticism earlier in the season after a uncharacteristically poor performances against both the Minnesota Vikings and Houston Texans – including giving up two sacks in three plays to Texans’ star Jerry Hughes – the Bankstown native showed his ability to handle adversity by bouncing back to have a terrific season, only allowing six sacks and conceding a measly seven penalties for the year as he formed part of the best offensive line in the NFL.

His performance in Philly’s 24-8 win over the Washington Commanders back in Week 3 was particularly impressive.

During the game Eagles’ QB Jalen Hurts dropped back into the pocket and the Commanders brought pressure to try and sack the league MVP candidate.

One of the players trying to blitz Hurts was Washington CB Rachad Wildgoose, who attempted to get around Mailata, a task much easier said than done.

Wildgoose learned the hard way just how strong and powerful Mailata is as the Aussie flattened the corner with ease.

Mailata has been terrific so far in the postseason, including one of his best games of the season during his team’s 38-7 beat down of the New York Giants in their Divisional Playoff matchup – where he was graded as the Eagles third-highest rated offensive player.

The hulking lineman earned a 76.0 offensive grade and an 83.5 pass blocking mark as Philly’s big men bullied New York’s defensive line from start to finish.

If Mailata can continue his outstanding play Monday and help keep Hurts upright, then it will go a long way towards his team being crowned champions.

Arryn Siposs – Philadelphia Eagles

Former St Kilda man Arryn Siposs is also signed to the NFC East division champion Philadelphia Eagles team, but as a punter.

The 30-year-old had been the Eagles’ starting punter for the majority of the season before unfortunately being placed on the injured reserve list following a nasty lower leg injury suffered in the team’s Week 14 win over the New York Giants.

Siposs was carted off the field during the 48-22 win on December 12th after making a brilliant play before being hit late by the swarming Giants defence, injuring his ankle in the process. He was later seen in the locker room on crutches and wearing a moon boot.

The second-year punter was placed on IR, meaning he would be required to miss a minimum of four games, and so Philidelphia signed veteran Brett Kern to replace him.

Siposs revealed late last week that he “could have played” against the 49ers despite remaining on the IR for Philly’s NFC Championship win, but in a positive sign he said he is “preparing to play” in the Super Bowl after officially returning to full-squad training with the Eagles just over a week out from the clash with the Kansas City Chiefs.

Philly have signalled the Siposs’ likely addition to the team for the Super Bowl after opening a 21-day practice window for the former AFL player, during which they can add him back to the active player roster.

Siposs had been replaced by veteran Brett Kern as both a punter and a holder during his injury absence.

However, Kern is coming off a poor performance against San Francisco which has opened the door for Siposs, who signed a three-deal deal with the Eagles in 2021, to prove to the coaching staff that he’s ready to join Australian teammate Jordan Mailata in what would be the biggest game of his career.

“I’ve always got to anticipate (that I’m playing). If I don’t think that, then I’m not doing anything good by me,” Siposs said after his reactivation by the Eagles.

“I’m going out there to prepare to play and that’s all there is to it. Whatever happens, happens but it’s a great opportunity to go out there and do my thing.

“I feel like I could have played (against the 49ers last week), definitely. Mentally and physically I was ready to go.

“That’s the only thing I need to concentrate on the whole time – making sure I’m doing everything I can to make sure that I’m good.

“It’s great to be in this situation now to hopefully go out in two weeks and be a part of it. Now it’s just about using these two weeks to full prepare and be ready to go.”

The former Auburn University punter said it had been “tough” watching from the sidelines as the Eagles kept winning but that he was glad to get his chance at potential Super Bowl glory.

“It’s been a long grind over the last seven to eight weeks and I’m very fortunate to be in this position to have a shot at it and see what happens,” he said.

“Do you have moments where you want to be out there? No doubt. We’re in this position now and that’s all that matters.”

Whether Siposs takes the field or not, he should be buoyed by the fact he had a terrific season prior to his untimely injury.

Despite only punting 44 times (ranked 30th in the league), thanks in large part to the Eagles’ outstanding offence this season, Siposs managed to pin the ball inside the 20 yard line on 19 occasions (36% of his punts). In a game that is often decided by mere inches, the ability to put opponents on the back foot by forcing them to start from inside their own 20 yard line can be invaluable.

Although it’s not just his punting skills that have impressed with many around the league raving about his outstanding athletic ability, in particular a couple of highlight reel plays.

Back in the Eagles’ Week 2 victory over the Minnesota Vikings, Siposs set tongues wagging after making an impressive touchdown-saving tackle that kept the Vikings at bay en route to Philly’s 24-7 victory.

The Eagles, who were up 24-7 with just over three minutes left on the clock in the third quarter, were attempting a 41-yard field goal.

The Vikings blocked the attempt and Vikings cornerback Kris Boyd ended up with the ball as a result and was on course for a touchdown with an open field to run in to.

Siposs, who was the placeholder for Eagles’ kicker Jake Elliott on the field goal try, showed terrific reaction time to make a mad dash to try and catch Boyd.

Drawing on his 28 games of experience playing for St Kilda in the AFL between 2011 and 2015, Siposs quickly reeled in Boyd before making a desperate lunge and managing to wrap his arms around the CB’s legs, bringing him down to the ground before he could score.

The play earned Siposs plenty of plaudits from NFL pundits and fans, as he prevented an easy touchdown for the Vikings.

PhillyVoice writer Shamus Clancy described the Aussie’s heroic act “as if he was a safety stopping a wide receiver from reaching pay dirt”.

ESPN NFL Draft Analyst & Insider Matt Miller even went so far as to label him the “fastest punter in NFL history”.

Meanwhile, in the Week 14 matchup with the Giants, Siposs was like a lightning rod, having been involved in so much of the action before getting injured.

Firstly, late in the second quarter and with the Eagles forced to punt from virtually their own end zone, Siposs had his attempted punt blocked.

While most punters’ immediate reaction would’ve been to drop their heads and concede a Giants’ touchdown, the Eagles’ punter instead got on his bike immediately and not only managed to get to the ball just prior to the nearest opponent but also scooped the ball up one handed AFL-style before then almost miraculously salvaging a first down for Philadelphia.

However, unfortunately once Siposs stepped out of bounds just short of the first down marker, after tightroping his way down the sideline, he received a late hit by an oncoming Giants’ defender which caused the ankle injury that may yet cost him the rest of his sophomore season.

Some New York fans though did not have too much sympathy for Siposs when he was carted off, which understandably rubbed the Australian the wrong way, and he let his emotions get the better of him.

“F*** you. F*** you, you piece of s***,” he reportedly said to a Giants’ fan.

The drama stemming from that Week 14 clash didn’t end there, with Siposs embroiled in a fresh controversy recently thanks to the Eagles being accused of cheating on extra points & field goals during that same Giants’ game.

Footage which circulated the internet last week showed placeholder Arryn Siposs picking up a white foreign object.

Philly kicker Jake Elliott later clarified that the object was simply used to mark the spot prior to the kick and offered no competitive advantage.

“We’ve always used something, that’s within the rules,” Elliott said

“Probably 30 teams do it around the league. It’s just a point of emphasis, and someone makes it bigger than it is. Everything we’ve done has been completely legal.”

Siposs and Mailata are set to become just the third and fourth Australians to play in the Super Bowl.

MORE AUSSIES IN THE SUPER BOWL NEWS

INSIDE STORY: Brutal truth that cruelled Aussie’s NRL dream and how it led him to the Super Bowl

‘PROBABLY SHOULDN’T HAVE DONE THAT’: Aussie Jordan Mailata’s hilarious Super Bowl reveal

‘EVERYONE THINKS I SWIM FASTER’: Aussie Super Bowl giant Jordan Mailata has webbed toes

WHO WILL WIN SUPER BOWL 57?

The Eagles ($1.84) are ever so slight favourites over the Chiefs ($1.98), being given a Two-and-a-half-point advantage at the line by Betr (as of 4pm February 8).

Football Outsiders’ team rating metric weighted DVOA had the Eagles as the fifth-best team this season after going 14-3 and winning the NFC East division as well as earning the No. 1 seed.

Philly’s losses this year came against Washington, Dallas, and New Orleans, although the consecutive losses in Weeks 16 and 17 came with Jalen Hurts on the sidelines through injury.

The Chiefs in contrast ranked second in the entire NFL, despite their 13th ranked defence, after also going 14-3 on their way to winning the AFC West division and locking up the No. 1 spot in the AFC.

They lost to Indianapolis, Buffalo, and Cincinnati over the course of the season, but have only lost the solitary game since their week eight bye.

The key to the game will be whether league MVP favourite Patrick Mahomes is healthy enough to keep the Chiefs No. 1 offence humming in the face of Philly’s dominating defensive front – who were the runaway league leaders in sacks with 70 during the regular season.

On the other side of the ball the Chiefs’ defence is their major weakness, but despite having significantly improved as the season has worn on, they will have their work cut out containing dual-threat quarterback Jalen Hurts and the rest of the Eagles’ fifth-ranked rushing offence.

If they can contain Jalen Hurts in the pocket and stop him from finding the always dangerous AJ Brown through the air, they’ll go a long way to winning this game.

WHO WILL BE SUPER BOWL MVP IN SUPER BOWL 57?

Quarterbacks are seen as overwhelmingly likely to win Super Bowl MVP, having claimed 31 of the 56 previous awards, but interestingly only six of the last 10.

There have only been two occasions in the last 18 years that a defender has won MVP, Super Bowls XLVIII (Malcolm Smith, Seattle def Denver) and 50 (Von Miller, Denver def Carolina).

Reigning Offensive Player of the Year Cooper Kupp took out last year’s Super Bowl MVP award after recording eight catches for 92 yards including coming up clutch late in the game-winning drive before finishing it off and hauling in the game-winning touchdown to secure the Rams a 23-20 win over the Bengals. Meanwhile, Patriots receiver Julian Edelman won the MVP award for Super Bowl LIII when the Patriots won a 13-3 defensive struggle over the Rams, as he recorded 141 of Tom Brady’s 262 passing yards.

This recent history gives hope to players such as Eagles’ star wideout AJ Brown ($15), Chiefs’ wrecking ball Chris Jones ($51), and any of Philly’s scary quintet of pass rushers – Haason Reddick ($41), Brandon Graham ($81), Javon Hargrave ($, Josh Sweat ($151), and Fletcher Cox ($201). History does not favour Kansas City superstar Travis Kelce ($13) with no tight end in history ever having won the award, although Kelce is one of the greatest to ever play the position and is Mahome’s No. 1 target – besides he plays much more like a wide receiver anyway.

Dallas Cowboys’ linebacker Chuck Howley in 1971 is the only player to ever win MVP in a losing effort.

Therefore history suggests the winning quarterback, either Jalen Hurts ($2.10) or Patrick Mahomes ($2.30), is the most likely recipient of the Super Bowl 57 MVP award.

FOX SPORTS AUSTRALIA EXPERT TIPS

Andrew Jackson

Result: Chiefs 31 def Eagles 20

MVP: Patrick Mahomes

Dermott Chatwin

Result: Chiefs 27 def Eagles 20

MVP: Travis Kelce (150+ yards & 2+ TDs)

Max Laughton

Result: Eagles 28 def Chiefs 27

MVP: AJ Brown

Zac Rayson

Result: Eagles 23 def Chiefs 20

MVP: Jalen Hurts