Lüdenscheid – The Super Bowl 54 is just around the corner. We interviewed local experts who gave their assessment of the biggest sporting event of the year.
The biggest sporting event in the world takes place in Miami on the night of February 2-3, the Super Bowl 54. The San Francisco 49ers meet the Kansas City Chiefs. Both teams fight for the crown of the National Football League (NFL). In an interview with LN volunteer Kevin Herzog, Michael Schumann, 2nd chairman and offense trainer in personal union, and Jan Santen, quarterback of Lüdenscheid Lightnings, make an assessment.
The biggest surprise of the season was before the Super Bowl. The New England Patriots had to leave the title race early on. Is the era of the dominator of the past years over?
Michael Schumann: Many have already spoken about it. I don’t think the era is over. They have had a not so good season, but have still been in the play-offs. Bill Belichick will come up with something in preparation and pull good players out of the hat.
Jan Santen: I can’t really assess that. If Tom Brady and Bill Belichick remain, they can attack again next season.
With 35:24, the Kansas City Chiefs prevailed against the Tennessee Titans in the semifinals. What makes quarterback Patrick Mahomes’ team so strong?
Schumann: You have distinguished yourself through their variable passing game. You will find a passport recipient every turn. Despite his young age, Patrick Mahomes has a very good overview. Tyrant Mathieu also leads the strong defense. Overall, it is a balanced overall package.
Santen: Patrick Mahomes is a good quarterback. Tyreek Hill is the fastest receiver in the league and Travis Kelce is always able to catch a ball. All in all, one can say that the boys really have fire.
What are the weaknesses of the Kansas City Chiefs?
Schumann: They lie in the individual mistakes. In the first quarter, players are often nervous. If they put that down, I will see them in the front of the Super Bowl.
Santen: I have the impression that if it doesn’t work, you are quickly unsettled.
In the second semi-final, the San Francisco 49ers defeated the Green Bay Packers 37:20. Where do you see the strengths of Northern Californians?
Schumann: Jimmy Garoppolo is a very experienced quarterback who had a lot of time to develop behind Tom Brady with the Patriots. Another important factor is head coach Kyle Shanahan, who was already in the Super Bowl with the Atlanta Falcons. Overall, the 49ers played the most consistent and best season of all teams.
Santen: It’s actually the same strengths as the Kansas City Chiefs. Jimmy Garoppolo is a strong quarterback. They also have a very strong running back and tight end.
Do you think there are weaknesses among the 49ers?
Schumann: I don’t have an answer to that directly. If they make mistakes, they are individual mistakes. It is difficult to tell where they have their weaknesses.
Santen: Even after a lot of thought, I have no answer to this question. The 49ers are a strong team.
Finally, the crucial question: Who will win the coveted Lombardy Trophy this year and who can call themselves NFL champions?
Schumann: There are two good teams in the Super Bowl. You might not have expected that from the 49ers. With the Chiefs you could have expected it. I would give both teams the win, but I favor the Kansas City Chiefs because of Patrick Mahomes and tyrant Mathieu.
Santen: I think the Kansas City Chiefs will win. With Patrick Mahomes, you have the wilder quarterback who has the balls to throw a pass that’s not normal and safe.
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