The Banged-Up Score (B.U.S) health rankings were 6 for 7 going into Super Bowl LVII. With another win the B.U.S is now 88% in picking Super Bowl winners. Not only that but over the past few years the breakdown of health by position has proved why games turn out the way they do. O-line and D-line B.U.S rankings have always proved important including the 2021 Super Bowl between Tampa Bay and Kansas City when Eric Fisher was injured and last year when The LA Rams Defensive line was able to sack Joe Burrow 7 times.
This past year was no different as our positional breakdown proved predictive of the Super Bowl outcome. Not only picking the winner again but also mirroring smaller statistics that occurred.
Offensive/Defensive Line
The Kansas City O-line and D-line just edged-out the Eagles which proved to be important in the game. Philly was able to put on a show early but as the game progressed The Eagles had a much harder time stopping The Chiefs. As we all know, all 22 starters were able to play for the Eagles but what happens when depth 2 and 3 players are injured? Well, if you are talking about QB then it may not be a huge problem (unless you’re the 49ers). Maybe not even bad if you are looking at running back with a depth 1 performing at a high level.
The defensive line is different though. With athletes continually running in and out for different formations, missing a depth 2 or 3 player can have a big effect on performance. The Eagles were missing DE Derek Barnett, DE Janarius Robinson and DT Marlon Tuipulotu. These were depth 2 and 3 guys earlier in the year prior to being place on IR. Not having them changes talent level on the field many times during crucial moments. Starters sometimes can’t get the rest they need, and this can lead to less pressure on opposing QB’s when the opponents O-line is relatively healthy. Exactly the case as the Philadelphia defense didn’t get a sack all game whereas Kansas City was able to pressure QB Jalen Hurts on a number of occasions including one of them ending with a fumble recovery for a TD.
#Eagles and #Chiefs Super Bowl Banged Up Score Positional Break Down by https://t.co/f8N0oKWm7j #NFL #Injury pic.twitter.com/OvqfzEpJxa
— Sports Doc Matt (@sportsdocmatt) February 12, 2023
WR’s/Secondary
Both teams Corners and Safeties were relatively healthy aside from normal season wear and tear. However, WR’s on the Kansas City side had been hit hard with injuries the game before and with Mecole Hardman out were at a much bigger disadvantage than the Eagles. The stat-line proved this as The Chiefs logged 182 yards receiving. Not bad for a banged-up group of receivers but far below the 304 yards that Philadelphia was able to deliver.
LB’s/RB’s and TE’s
These positions were all relatively healthy for both teams with each of them hovering in the mid to high 90’s. Philadelphia was a smidge more injured at their LB position and Kansas City did capitalize with 158 yards rushing compared to the Eagles 115 but overall, the two teams lined up pretty well against each other. Travis Kelce was able to make 6 catches for 81 yards and Dallas Goedert of Philadelphia went 6 receptions for 60 yards.
Special Teams
One of the biggest discrepancies on the field in terms of health was with special teams. The Eagles logged a 70 Banged Up Score while Kansas City a healthy 97.5. With two of the Eagles special teams’ key players out there battling injuries including Punter Arryn Siposs who was activated for the big game after battling an ankle injury since making his way onto IR week 15 and returner Britain Covey who was questionable with a hamstring injury going into the game. Kadarius Toney did have a long punt return of 65 yards to set up the Chiefs final touchdown of the game after a shorter 38-yard punt. Meanwhile Kansas City held Covey to 35 return yards.
“I expect him to be in near top form. Whether he continues to be shy in the rush game is TBD, but overall I don’t expect him to be held back by this injury.” @sportsdocmatt gives his analysis on the @Eagles QB Jalen Hurts and how healthy Jalen will be for the Super Bowl. pic.twitter.com/A3I1h0h7Au
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) February 12, 2023
Finally, while many stats tell the exact tale of how the game progressed you do get times when players can out play their health ranking. Though not pictured on our original graphic both QB’s went into the game with injuries. Patrick Mahomes was dealing with a high ankle sprain while Jalen Hurts dealt with an SC joint sprain. Both players were expected to be limited in some capacity and the QB B.U.S scores dropped to just over 80 considering the nature of their injuries. Despite the setbacks, both QBs played extremely well with Hurts accounting for 3 rushing and 1 passing TD and Mahomes 3 passing. Both QB’s surpassed what their health score showed and gutted out great performances in the biggest game of the year.
"Returning from this injury, there is a 25-30 percent decrease in production, mostly in the run game. I would expect about 10-20 percent down in rushing yards.” @sportsdocmatt analyzes the @Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes and how ready he will be in the Super Bowl. pic.twitter.com/Yvp6iS3Z0V
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) February 12, 2023
At The Predictors we are focused on showing how important health is and that health matters for team success. The B.U.S Rankings are just one way we plan to do this over the next year. Make sure to check thepredictors.com for updated articles and data regarding teams, draft and health related information. The Banged Up Score continues to be a proven predictable health ranking that can be used from friendly banter to betting. Remember…always consult the B.U.S!
