The 2025 Super Bowl has been set, and it features a showdown between two football juggernauts

the Philadelphia Eagles and the Kansas City Chiefs. For the Eagles, this season has been nothing short of remarkable, as they have fought their way through a tough NFL season to earn a spot in Super Bowl LIX. What’s behind their success? What are the key factors that have propelled the Eagles into the big game? Here’s a breakdown of 10 essential reasons why the Eagles made it to the Super Bowl, with special mention of Saquon Barkley, who has been nothing short of a machine for the team.

1. Saquon Barkley’s Incredible Impact

Without a doubt, one of the biggest reasons for the Eagles’ success this season has been Saquon Barkley. The star running back has been a machine on the field, putting up career numbers and demonstrating the kind of game-breaking ability that has lifted the Eagles’ offense to new heights.

Barkley, who joined the Eagles this season, has truly been the engine driving their offense. Over the course of the regular season, he rushed for an astounding 2,005 yards, leading the NFL. He also registered 15 total touchdowns, showing his ability to both pound the ball into the end zone and catch passes out of the backfield. But it’s not just the volume that’s impressive; it’s the sheer explosiveness Barkley brings to the table. His ability to break off long runs has been a key factor in the Eagles’ success, with Barkley leading the league in runs of 10 or more yards and accounting for multiple runs of 60 yards or more throughout the season.

Beyond the regular season, Barkley has been instrumental in the postseason as well, where he has continued his dominant play. In the playoffs, Barkley has rushed for 442 yards and five touchdowns in three games, showing that his performance isn’t just limited to the regular season.

Barkley’s presence on the field has had a ripple effect on the Eagles’ offense. His ability to keep defenses honest with his powerful rushing attack opens up opportunities for Jalen Hurts and the passing game. Moreover, his elite skillset in the open field has made him a valuable asset in the passing game as well, providing quarterback Jalen Hurts with another dangerous weapon. Barkley’s all-around contribution has truly been one of the main reasons the Eagles find themselves in the Super Bowl.

2. The Offensive Line: Dominating the Trenches

One of the lesser-discussed but equally important reasons behind the Eagles’ success is their offensive line. Throughout the season, the Eagles’ offensive line has been nothing short of dominant, consistently giving Barkley and Hurts the protection they need to operate efficiently.

The offensive line has been especially impressive in both the pass-blocking and run-blocking departments. Despite losing future Hall of Fame center Jason Kelce to retirement at the end of the previous season, the Eagles’ offensive line has not skipped a beat. Players like Jordan Mailata, Lane Johnson, and Isaac Seumalo have held things together, providing a solid front that allows their skill players to shine.

In the running game, this offensive line has paved the way for Barkley to rack up rushing yards. It’s no coincidence that Barkley had such a successful season in terms of both volume and big-play ability. The offensive line has been able to create massive running lanes, allowing Barkley to pick up chunk yardage and extend drives. Their ability to create those holes in the defense has also been key in wearing down opposing defenses over the course of the game, giving the Eagles an advantage in time of possession.

In addition to their work in the run game, the offensive line has also protected Hurts, allowing him to execute the Eagles’ passing game. Hurts has had time to survey the field and find his receivers, often without the pressure of defenders in his face. This solid protection has made the offense well-balanced and incredibly difficult to stop.

3. Jalen Hurts: A Dual-Threat Quarterback

Jalen Hurts has been another key figure in the Eagles’ success. While Saquon Barkley has been the bell cow of the offense, Hurts has provided the team with a unique dual-threat capability that has been a nightmare for opposing defenses to stop.

Hurts’ ability to both pass and run the football makes him one of the most dangerous quarterbacks in the league. Through the air, he has developed into a more accurate passer and has become more confident in making reads. His chemistry with wide receivers A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith has been a major asset for the Eagles’ offense, and Hurts’ ability to extend plays with his legs has allowed him to evade pressure and make critical throws when needed.

In the running game, Hurts has been just as effective. His ability to use his legs to gain yards has opened up the Eagles’ offense in a way that few other quarterbacks can. Whether it’s a designed quarterback run or Hurts taking off when the pocket collapses, his ability to create with his legs keeps defenses off balance.

Hurts’ performance throughout the season has been one of the primary reasons the Eagles have been so effective on offense. He is not just a threat in the passing game but also a major asset in the running game, making him a versatile and dynamic quarterback. His steady improvement over the past few seasons culminated in a breakout year that has helped propel the Eagles to the Super Bowl.

4. A Strong Receiving Corps: Key Weapons for Hurts

While the running game has been a huge part of the Eagles’ offense, the wide receiver corps has been just as vital. Jalen Hurts’ development as a passer has been closely tied to the emergence of his top receiving targets, including A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, and Dallas Goedert.

A.J. Brown has been the clear top target for Hurts this season, providing him with a physical receiver who can win contested catches and stretch the field. Brown’s size and ability to track the ball downfield have made him a nightmare for opposing secondaries. He has been a major factor in the Eagles’ passing attack, pulling attention away from other key players.

DeVonta Smith, while not as physically imposing as Brown, has been a reliable target in his own right. Smith’s route-running ability, quickness, and strong hands have made him a perfect complement to Brown. Smith has developed into one of the most dependable receivers in the league, often making clutch catches in critical moments.

Tight end Dallas Goedert has also been a key contributor to the Eagles’ success. As a big, athletic target, Goedert has been a major red-zone threat and a reliable option for Hurts on short-to-medium throws. His ability to create mismatches against linebackers and safeties has made him a crucial part of the passing game.

Together, the trio of Brown, Smith, and Goedert has given Hurts a balanced and dynamic group of receivers to work with. They have consistently made plays and provided Hurts with the support he needs to execute the offense at a high level.

5. The Eagles’ Defense: Unstoppable and Opportunistic

While the offense has been highly effective, the Eagles’ defense has been just as impressive this season. The team has been among the best in the league in terms of total defense, led by a deep and talented group of players who have been able to shut down opponents’ offenses and create turnovers.

The Eagles’ defensive line has been a key factor in their success. With players like Fletcher Cox, Javon Hargrave, and Brandon Graham, the Eagles’ front four has been dominant against both the run and the pass. The pass rush, led by these veterans, has been relentless, consistently putting pressure on opposing quarterbacks and forcing them into mistakes.

In addition to the pass rush, the Eagles’ secondary has also been solid. With cornerbacks Darius Slay and James Bradberry playing at a high level, the Eagles have been able to shut down top receivers and create turnovers. Slay’s ability to lock down opposing wideouts has been a key element in the Eagles’ defensive scheme, and Bradberry’s playmaking ability has been a major asset for the team.

The combination of the defensive line’s pressure and the secondary’s playmaking has made the Eagles one of the most complete defenses in the NFL. Their ability to get off the field on third downs and create turnovers has been a major factor in their success, allowing the offense to get back on the field and extend drives.