The Kansas City Chiefs' matchup with the Philadelphia Eagles just grew a little harder after a surprise move late on Friday. In the season opener, it was obvious the Eagles' pass rush lacked the depth of a season ago. While Dak Prescott was still under fire, it was nothing close to the dominating force that the Chiefs were forced to deal with in the Super Bowl. This led Za'Darius Smith to sign a 1-year dealworth up to $9 million. Jordan Schultz reported the move, as well as the fact that the veteran had 9 sacks a season ago.
Smith spent the 2024 season with the Browns and Lions and was productive in a limited role. It makes sense for Philly to add to the position and bring in a veteran who could still have something left in the tank. For Smith, it is a chance to chase a Super Bowl with a group that appears to fully believe in its potential. Something the Chiefs need to attempt to stop in an incredibly important Week 2 matchup.
Chiefs' Week 2 Matchup Just Grew a Bit More Difficult After Eagles Sign Veteran Pass-Rusher
Kansas City has long had a mental edge when it comes to any team that has a prayer of slowing them down. The Bills are the most notable example of this; no matter how incredible Josh Allen plays, the franchise is going to find a way to blow the game. It has become as much mental for the Bills as anything, with the Chiefs holding space simply due to their accomplishments. The same could be said of the Bengals and Ravens, who similarly cannot beat the Chiefs when it matters most.
However, the same cannot be said of the Eagles, who have twice matched up against the Chiefs in the Super Bowl and shown zero fear either time. Jalen Hurts has played his best games against the Kansas City defense, and there is a level of freedom in how the defense chases after Mahomes. Luckily, the Chiefs aren't in the same conference, meaning a rematch of importance would only come in a potential Super Bowl rematch.
Making this game mentally important with the understanding that is where the Chiefs' 2025 season is going to end. Mahomes alone gives you a chance of playing in the AFC Championship, and every season, this is the baseline of where Kansas City goes. Super Bowls are the expectation, and Week 2 is about sending a message and putting doubt into the mind of Philly if they are yet again waiting on the other side.
Signing Smith does make this game potentially more difficult, but the veteran has spent the last weeks in free agency, making it doubtful he will have an instant high impact if plugged into the lineup. Kansas City should be more afraid of potential game-wrecker Jalen Carter, who has a lot to prove to his team after being ejected in Week 1 for spitting on Dak Prescott.
Still, the addition of Smith isn't the best timing for a franchise that continues to believe it can be the next version of Kansas City. Something the Chiefs can help prevent by sending a message in next Sunday's matchup.