3 Super Bowl x-factors who have to step up for Philadelphia Eagles

Jan 29, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles safety Marcus Epps (22) raises a fist in celebration against the San Francisco 49ers during the third quarter in the NFC Championship game at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

The Eagles destroyed the 49ers in the NFC Championship Game, but these three Philadelphia stars must step up if they want to win the Super Bowl. 

A little good luck is always welcome on the road to a Super Bowl and the Eagles got more than their share in their NFC Title tilt against the 49ers. San Francisco ran out of quarterbacks at the wrong time which helped Philadelphia cruise to a comfortable win. Eagles fans shouldn’t count on the same luck when Super Bowl Sunday rolls around.

Instead, Philadelphia will need several members of their roster to play close to perfection if they want to topple the Chiefs. In particular, the offense enjoyed a relatively easy time of things against San Francisco since they knew the 49ers’ defense knew they needed to pitch something close to a shutout to stay in the game.

That doesn’t mean the defense won’t be stressed by Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City passing game. The first player Philadelphia needs to step up is arguably the weakest link in their talented secondary.

3. Marcus Epps

Epps isn’t a name that casual fans are overly familiar with. He’ll be the starter for Philadephia at free safety when they take on the Chiefs though. Andy Reid and his offensive staff will do everything they can to isolate him against Travis Kelce to gain a schematic advantage.

Epps doesn’t need to play a starring role for his team to be successful. He simply needs to make the routine plays required of his position. He will be mentally tested by the concepts Kansas City will deploy. One mental bust could be the difference between Super Bowl glory and a crushing defeat for the Eagles.