Super Bowl LIX Will Be a Defensive Battle, Not a High-Scoring Shootout, Says Troy Aikman

Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs are set to face off against Saquon Barkley and the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LIX

Despite both offenses featuring some of the league's biggest stars, including Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, Saquon Barkley, and A.J. Brown, Dallas Cowboys legend Troy Aikman believes defense will play a larger role in deciding the outcome of Super Bowl LIX.

Speaking on Sports Illustrated's SI Media With Jimmy Traina, Aikman shared his thoughts on the big game.

"But for Philadelphia, I think to get over the hump, they've got to play a really clean game," Aikman said.

"Expect it to be a defensive battle. You know, Philly has obviously been really good defensively. I think Kansas City has been outstanding as well... I do not see this game being a high-scoring game."

Aikman's prediction is supported by the impressive defensive statistics both teams have posted throughout the season.

The Eagles boasted one of the league's top defenses during the regular season, allowing just 278.4 yards per game (1st in the NFL), 174.2 passing yards per game (1st), and only 17.8 points per game (2nd).

The Chiefs' defense, while not as statistically dominant, has also been solid, giving up just 19.2 points per game (4th) and 101.8 rushing yards per game (8th).

Stopping Barkley will be a key challenge for Kansas City, but their defense has shown it can rise to the occasion. Aikman, who led the Cowboys to three Super Bowl victories in the 1990s, knows a thing or two about winning big games.

His experience adds weight to his prediction that this game will be a defensive grind rather than a high-scoring shootout.

Super Bowl LIX kicks off on Sunday, February 9, in New Orleans, Louisiana. Whether it's Mahomes and Kelce making magic or Barkley breaking through for a game-changing run, one thing's for sure: this rematch is shaping up to be another classic.

And if Aikman's right, don't expect a ton of points—just a whole lot of grit and determination from both sides.