The famous "Diamonds in the Sky" sung by star Rihanna, who will make a long-awaited stage return after more than six years of absence during the halftime show, will also be on the ground, for this ideal poster between the two most consistent, most comprehensive and among the most attractive franchises in the NFL this fiscal year.

Everything, down to the statistical indicators, predicts that this clash will be one of the tightest in the history of the Super Bowls.

Each finished top of their conference, with an identical record of 16 wins and three losses in the regular season.

The two even scored the exact same number of points: 546.

Kansas City has Mahomes, 27, the just named MVP of the season.

Philadelphia is guided by Hurts, 24, his runner-up in this honorary race.

Their duel is as enticing as it is historic because it will be the first time that two black quarterbacks will be opposed in an "SB".

Brotherly Opposition

Jalen Hurts, quarterback of the Philadelphia Eagles, in training a few days before the Super Bowl on February 10, 2023 in Tempe, Arizona © Rob Carr / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA/AFP/Archives

The Chiefs star, who is aiming for a second title after that of 2020, is a formidable master, never as strong as to extricate himself from complicated situations, capable of exceptional improvisations.

His right arm is the most effective in the league since "KC" has the best passing attack.

The only uncertainty is the condition of his right ankle, injured in the two previous matches, which could affect his mobility.

The Eagles, who have a very efficient running quarterback in Hurts, can boast of having the most deterrent defense there is to thwart opposing throwing strategies.

"They have the highest rate of sacks (tackles) this season", did not fail to raise Mahomes.

But this final is not just about the opposition between "QB's".

The top level is in every line.

The Chiefs, for example, have the best tight-end in the NFL in the person of Travis Kelce, as formidable in defense as in receiving the offerings of Mahomes.

The Eagles can boast of having an elite receiver with AJ Brown and … another Kielce in their ranks since Jason, older brother of Travis, is an experienced member of the offensive squad.

Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce bends over for a stretching session just days before the Super Bowl on February 10, 2013 in Tempe, Arizona © Christian Petersen / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA/AFP/Archives

But as Kansas City coach Andy Reid pointed out, despite all the analysis and game plans, in the incomparable atmosphere of a Super Bowl, it's often an unrecognized player who proves decisive.

Only imbalance, experience

"It's the human factor... In this match, there will be someone we haven't mentioned who will stand out and everyone will be like 'wow, what a great job from this kid' “, he declared Thursday in a press conference.

Aged 64, the coach with the thick mustache, who was that of the Eagles for 14 seasons, before joining the Chiefs in 2013, will experience his third final in four seasons.

As such, if there is one area in which an imbalance clearly appears, it is that of experience.

Because Nick Sirianni is only completing his second season as head coach of the Eagles.

And, like him, Hurts will be making his Super Bowl debut in his second year as a starter.

He will have to not let himself be overwhelmed by the pressure, if he wants to guide his people to a new coronation after that of 2018.

On the shoulders of Mahomes, rests that of having to assume his promised status as heir to Tom Brady, who has just announced – for good this time – his retirement.

A second ring would still leave him far from his glorious elder who has seven (more than any franchise), but would perhaps finally bring about a new dynasty.

© 2023 AFP