We are just a few days out from the big game and two teams remain. The San Francisco 49ers will face off against the Kansas City Chiefs in Las Vegas, Nevada. Both teams have their strengths and weaknesses, but we will break it all down in this article.
The 49ers are coming into the Superbowl with a lot of big names on both sides of the ball but they have put their fans through a lot during these playoffs. In both of their playoff games so far, they have had to orchestrate second-half and 4th quarter comebacks. When the tough gets going, these Niners seem to have the mental toughness to not flinch when they fall behind to opponents trusting in their system and their scheme.
Christian McCaffrey has been crucial all season especially in the playoffs, seemingly taking play to a different level, helping in both the run and pass game. With that said, this game will likely win behind the shoulders of Brock Purdy, who has been heavily criticized for his play. Even with not playing his best football the past 2 games, he has come through in the clutch time and time again, showing us he can make all the throws along with using his legs; he is deceptively fast. If Purdy can take care of the ball and relies on their stout defense and run game, they have a legit shot to take home the Lombardi trophy.
Now to the Kansas City Chiefs. The media’s darlings with Taylor Swift, Travis Kelce, and of course Patrick Mahomes. The Chiefs had an up-and-down season with a lot of miscues and penalties that held them back at times, but since making the playoffs, this team has flipped the switch. Their defense has made leaps and bounds from last season and can shut down opposing QBs with their elite secondary and strong defense line.
Keys to victory for the Niners
- Take care of the ball
- Don’t get behind on the scoreboard
- Establish the run with CMC
- Pressure Mahomes
- Slow down Travis Kelce
Keys to victory for Chiefs
- Feed Pacheco early and often
- Win the penalty battle
- Give Mahomes time in the pocket
- Catch the ball/limit drops