Former All-Pro Gerald McCoy Reveals Key to Stopping Chiefs’ Offense in Super Bowl LVIII
As the countdown to Super Bowl LVIII continues, discussions on how to stop the Kansas City Chiefs’ offense have been at the forefront. While most attention is directed towards quarterback Patrick Mahomes, former All-Pro Gerald McCoy believes that the San Francisco 49ers’ defense must focus on a different aspect if they want to secure victory on Sunday at Allegiant Stadium.
During an interview with NBC Sports Bay Area’s Jennifer Lee Chan on Friday at Radio Row in Las Vegas, McCoy, an eleven-year NFL veteran and former defensive tackle, shared his insights on how to corral the Chiefs’ offense.
McCoy emphasized the importance of taking away what the Chiefs have been excelling at recently. He acknowledged that while the Chiefs’ offense has had its ups and downs, they have found success by establishing a strong running game.
“Stop the run first, which the 49ers do really well. But, in the playoffs, Kansas City is running the ball really well,” McCoy explained. “What they’re doing best right now is running the ball. Start there, and then work your way to everything else.”
McCoy also highlighted the significance of the 49ers’ defense setting the edge effectively. By doing so, their defensive tackles can attack downhill instead of being forced to move laterally towards the sideline.
“You’ve got to set the edge … somebody has to set the edge, turn everything back,” McCoy emphasized. “Then, those dynamic linebackers can start making plays. You got two dogs in the middle that can really destroy offenses. Allow them to be themselves.”
The Chiefs’ offensive identity has typically been associated with a high-powered passing attack during the Mahomes era. However, in the 2023 NFL postseason, Kansas City has showcased a new facet of their game by leading all playoff teams in rushing attempts. Running back Isiah Pacheco has been a standout performer, leading all players in the playoffs with 254 rushing yards.
This presents a challenge for the 49ers’ defense, which has struggled to stop the run this postseason. They have allowed an average of 159 rushing yards per game, conceding over 100 yards on the ground to both the Green Bay Packers and the Detroit Lions.
However, if the 49ers can address their run defense issues and allow their pass rushers to apply pressure on Mahomes, their chances of securing their sixth Vince Lombardi Trophy will significantly increase.
The stage is set for Sunday’s showdown, where the 49ers will have the opportunity to rectify their run defense and showcase their defensive prowess in front of millions of viewers. The world will be watching as they aim to emerge victorious on the NFL’s grandest stage.
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