PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — A Chiefs product in Philly? It’s not completely unheard of.
Before he was drafted in the second round by the Kansas City Chiefs in 1991, joining the field with the likes of Joe Montana, Joe Valerio was a star for the University of Pennsylvania Quakers and Ridley High School in Delaware County.
He returned to Philadelphia not long after his five-year NFL career, but he continues to cover the Chiefs as a co-host of the popular “Bleav in Chiefs” podcast.
Valerio believes the Eagles and Chiefs have two of the best offensive lines in the NFL. As a former offensive lineman, he’s curious to see what both teams will bring to the table in Super Bowl LVII.
“I think the Eagles might have a slight edge from tackle to tackle in the way that they’ve consistently played this year,” he predicted. “But nonetheless, a mauling-type offensive line that has a passion about protecting their quarterback and does a really good job of controlling the line of scrimmage — for the most part in Kansas City. For the Eagles, all the time.
“I think this [Eagles] offensive line [is] the best offensive line in the NFL.”
When it comes to the quarterback position, Valerio said Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes is “magic” — he’s been to five straight NFC championships and three Super Bowls in the last five years.
Aside from Mahomes, the Chiefs’ top weapon is tight end Travis Kelce. Valerio said Kelce is so productive despite every defensive lineman knowing that he is the guy they have to stop.
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“He has an uncanny ability of finding the open space and having that magical connection with Patrick Mahomes, that they just kind of know where each other is going to be, and I think that’s the secret sauce,” he added.
Kelce had 21 catches this postseason in just two games, and he scored three touchdowns.
However, Valerio still believes the Eagles have an edge with Jalen Hurts running the football.
“When I look at the game-changing ability that somebody like Jalen Hurts has, I actually have to give a leg up to Jalen Hurts in this game,” he said. “I think Jalen Hurts is going to be the difference-maker and the key in this game for the Eagles because of what he does with the RPO.
“It’s unlike anything that the Chiefs have seen all season.”
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