For those who have more than a passive interest in Super Bowl LIX, you might want to take note of what Artis Hicks has to say before the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles meet in New Orleans on Sunday.
Hicks, a former star offensive lineman in the National Football League, has what most would consider an uncanny knack of not only predicting the winner of the Lombardi Trophy – he also nails the final score.
“We have a matchup from two years ago,” Hicks said. “Both teams deserve to be in this game … both have tremendous players … top-tier coaching. It’s going to be a very good game.”
While Hicks sees numerous similarities, he believes it will come down to turnovers, which he believes the Chiefs, who are looking for their third straight Super Bowl title and fourth in six years.
“I think the Chiefs will win the turnover battle,” he said. “But the coaching – Andy Reid (Kansas City) … coaching and experience, but I’m not surprised the Eagles reached the Super Bowl. They have a real good defense, and offensively, the Eagles also have Saquon Barkley.
“He was part of an organization (NY Giants) that seemed to be dysfunctional,” Artis said. “I’m happy for Saquon. Just for him in general he battled through some injuries early on … we’re seeing him after knee surgeries.”
Barkley, who was the first-round pick of the Giants and second player taken overall in the 2018 NFL Draft, is playing his first season in Philadelphia.
Artis, a 1997 graduate of Jackson Central-Merry High School, played collegiately at the University of Memphis, and professionally with the Philadelphia Eagles, Minnesota Vikings, Washington (now Commanders), Cleveland Browns and Miami Dolphins.
An offensive lineman, Hicks, played in the 2005 Super Bowl (2004 season) when the Eagles faced the New England Patriots.
Hicks, who trains at Atlas Fitness Jackson – 3023 U.S. Highway 45 Bypass Suite 109 – is a member of the Jackson-Madison County Sports Hall of Fame – 2014 – and the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame – 2022.
So, how does Philadelphia win the game?
“Not only do they have to stop the run, but they also have to limit (Kansas City quarterback) Pat Mahomes’ effectiveness out of the pocket,” Artis said. “The Eagles are similar to the Chiefs across the board. I knew they had a good team.”
So, how does Kansas City win the game?
“Andy Reid is a mastermind,” Artis said. “He’s got about eight plays that they’ve worked on since training camp opened that none of us have seen all season – and he’s waiting for these moments to show those formations, create a little confusion which leads to explosive plays … a big play in a critical part of the game.
“(Philadelphia quarterback) Jalen Hurts has only thrown for more than 200 yards twice all season. If you are (Kansas City’s) defensive coordinator, make them throw the ball.
“If the Chiefs can contain Saquon and force Jalen Hurts to beat them with his arm Kansas City will be happy with outcome of this game.”
There’s also the Trey Smith factor.
Smith, a 2017 graduate of University School of Jackson, was a 5-star recruit, ranked No. 1 by ESPN. During his football career at USJ, Trey received the Tennessee Titans Mr. Football Lineman of the Year in 2015 and 2016 for Division II-A.1
Smith played football at the University of Tennessee for four years. He received numerous awards during his career at UT, including 2017 Freshman All-American.
“Whenever he comes home, when he has time, we get together, work on technical things,” Artis said. “I share videos I’ve made when we’ve worked out together … I send him as a reminder.”
But their friendship goes further than one offensive lineman to another.
“I have six sisters and no brothers,” Artis said. “I have four daughters and no sons, so Trey is like a son to me. I first met Trey when he was 15.
“This game will be a nailbiter, but I’ve got to stick with the hometown guy, Trey Smith. Kansas City, 27-24.”
(PHOTO: Trey Smith, left, and Artis Hicks)
