Bayou Blowout!!

NEW ORLEANS — Backed by the impassioned vocals of DMX, the Philadelphia Eagles trotted onto the field shortly before Super Bowl LIX’s kickoff as, “What’s My Name?” bellowed throughout Caesars Superdome.

The raucous crowd, overwhelmingly in support of the Eagles to start, foreshadowed the outcome, as the Eagles pummeled a formidable Chiefs team from the game’s onset and remained persistent, cruising to a 40-14 victory and securing the second Super Bowl championship in franchise history.

The play that felt like the dagger – a 38-yard pick-six by rookie defensive back Cooper DeJean – stole whatever momentum the Chiefs might have had and illustrated a desperation of sorts from the normally composed Mahomes.

The Mahomes implosion would continue, with linebacker later Zack Baun snaring an interception on a short toss over the middle.

A defense, presided over by veteran coordinator Vic Fangio was dialed in, providing pressure on Mahomes throughout, with Josh Sweat leading the charge with 2.5 sacks and Milton Williams adding two.

The toughness and take-no-prisoners mentality that had been a hallmark throughout the season for the Eagles again turned in a masterful performance.

Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts was surgical, completing 17-of-22 for 221 yards, two touchdowns and an interception. He also added 72 yards and a touchdown on 11 carries. The pass-catchers made the most of their opportunities, with wide receivers A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith each finding the end zone. Smith led the Eagles with 69 yards on four receptions.

GETTY IMAGES: Rookie DB Cooper DeJean, on his birthday, set the tone in Super Bowl LIX with his 33-yard TD return.

Let’s get to the observations.

*The Eagles for Super Bowl LIX included DE Bryce Huff, QB Tanner McKee (3rd QB), CB Eli Ricks, S Lewis Cine, OL Darian Kinnard, OL Trevor Keegan and WR Ainias Smith.

Even with veteran EDGE Brandon Graham making his miraculous return from a torn left triceps sustained 11 weeks ago, it’s still notable that Huff — the Eagles’ big-ticket free-agent signing — down for the big game.

* Among the first skill players on the field was TE Grant Calcaterra, who slowly backpedaled barefoot, seemingly to gauge the playing surface. Eagles HC Nick Sirianni spent anywhere from 5-10 minutes hours before the game assessing the playing surface.

I also observed PGC/DBs coach Christian Parker sharing a 1-on-1 coaching moment with rookie CB Quinyon Mitchell before heading toward the tunnel.

Nakobe Dean, who suffered a torn patellar tendon in the team’s wild-card win over the Green Bay Packers, broke down the linebacker group during warm-ups.

* Based on the pre-game response from the crowd, Eagles fans outnumbered Chiefs fans, the loudest roar coming about 87 minutes before kickoff, when Hurts took the field. Conversely, Chiefs players took the field to a chorus of boos.

* Sirianni exhibited confidence on the opening drive, electing to keep his offense on the field on 4th-and-2, with Hurts connecting with WR A.J. Brown for what would – should? – have been a 32-yard gain down the right sideline. Brown, however, was called for a questionable offensive pass interference.

* It’s glaringly apparent how much juice C.J. Gardner-Johnson provides to the defense – swarming defense, instincts, and an attitude that radiates throughout the sideline. Made multiple notable plays on opening defense series. Rookie DB Cooper DeJean also deserves a mention for his secure tackling on the drive, limiting WR Xavier Worthy to a 1-yard pickup on a dump-off to the left.

* The Chiefs let it be known from the start that they’d be selling out to stop a dynamic Eagles rushing attack fueled by Saquon Barkley. To the Eagles’ credit, they didn’t shy away from their commitment to the ground game, but other players — like WR Jahan Dotson — stepped up. The sparingly-utilized Dotson reeled in a 27-yard deep shot down the right sideline to set up the game’s first score, a 1-yard Hurts plunge.

* Noticed a bit more mixing-and-matching of personnel, including FB Khari Blasingame and WRs Parris Campbell and Johnny Wilson working in early.

* Prior to his second quarter interception – reeled in by Chiefs S Bryan Cook – Hurts had gone 217 attempts without tossing one. His last interception had occurred back in November, against Dallas.

* Being around the Eagles during Super Bowl week — and really, all season — it was evident they were confident and poised, knowing what they were capable of in big moments. Last week, the poise and swagger was apparent — even if they didn’t say it, they knew they were the better team.

* This isn’t an Eagles team overly reliant on a few handful of stars for momentum and magic. To illustrate the collective effort, third-rounder Jalyx Hunt notched a sack, second-year DT Moro Ojomo tallied a big-time tackle for loss, OL Tyler Steen stepped in and provided quality snaps at RG early in the game when Mekhi Becton was briefly sidelined. LB Oren Burks showcased his physicality and was active.

Linebacker Zack Baun snared an interception, but perhaps the biggest play of the first half occurred when Patrick Mahomes lofted an ill-fated pass into the waiting arms of DeJean, who dashed 38 yards into the end zone, completing the pick-six. That was DeJean’s first career interception — and it happened on his 22nd birthday.

* Interception aside, Jalen Hurts was stellar under the bright lights of the Caesars Superdome, delivering passes with touch and accuracy. But what I found to be more impressive was his decision-making as it pertained to tucking the ball and picking up yards with his legs. He also ran smartly, knowing when to get down and avoid disastrous collisions. Hurts again showcased high-caliber quarterback play on the big stage.

* The Eagles, particularly on defense, bullied the Chiefs in the trenches, flustering Mahomes and stifling any semblance of a running game they may have had. DTs Jordan Davis, Milton Williams and Jalen Carter were interior forces, but I was most impressed with the effort and pressure provided by Josh Sweat, who terrorized Mahomes all evening. The rookie Hunt also flashed. He’ll be primed for a more substantial role next season.

– Andrew DiCecco (@AndrewDiCecco) is a Staff Reporter/Content Producer for InsideTheBirds.com.