Kansas City Chiefs Look to Upset San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl 2024
For the second consecutive season, the Kansas City Chiefs find themselves entering the Super Bowl as underdogs. Last year, they defied the odds and defeated the favored Philadelphia Eagles, and now they have their sights set on knocking off the favored San Francisco 49ers. Led by quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who is healthier and playing brilliantly this season, the Chiefs believe they have what it takes to pull off another upset.
The Chiefs’ ultimate edge lies in their quarterback, Patrick Mahomes. He has been in exceptional form throughout the playoffs and is healthier than he was last season. His ability to make plays and lead the team has been instrumental in their success. Many NFL coaches have recognized Mahomes’ talent and have picked the Chiefs to win the Super Bowl.
One defensive coach highlights the key to affecting 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy, which is crucial for the Chiefs’ success. Purdy is vulnerable when teams are able to pressure him in the pocket. The Chiefs excel at getting their hands up and disrupting Purdy’s throws. They can affect both long and short throws from various angles. Purdy’s strength lies in his lower body, but when teams can push the pocket towards his front foot, he struggles to make accurate throws.
Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo plans to pressure Purdy and play combination coverages against the 49ers. However, it can be challenging to execute combination coverages when the 49ers have versatile players who can line up in different positions. The Chiefs’ tackling in open space has been a weakness in previous seasons, but Spagnuolo has worked on improving it this year. The 49ers will likely attack the edges in the run game, similar to what head coach Kyle Shanahan did with the Atlanta Falcons against the New England Patriots in a previous Super Bowl.
Another defensive coordinator believes that the Chiefs have the advantage in this game. He praises Spagnuolo’s defensive schemes and believes they will be able to disrupt Purdy’s rhythm. He also mentions that the 49ers are a team that performs better when they have a lead, and the Chiefs have the ability to match them early on. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes has been protecting the ball better in recent games, and the Chiefs’ offense has become more well-rounded with a stronger running game.
Despite the 49ers’ strong offense, some defensive coordinators feel that their defense is not as dominant as it was in previous seasons. They believe that the Chiefs have the edge in terms of quarterback play and their ability to find the soft spots in the 49ers’ defense. Mahomes’ ability to play both on and off schedule could be a deciding factor in the game.
An offensive coach highlights the Chiefs’ improved running game, led by Isiah Pacheco, as a key factor in their success. Running the ball effectively takes pressure off Mahomes and makes the Chiefs a more complete team. The 49ers’ defense has shown vulnerabilities against perimeter runs, which could work in favor of the Chiefs.
In conclusion, while the 49ers may be favored by oddsmakers, many coaches and experts are picking the Chiefs to win the Super Bowl. The Chiefs’ success hinges on their ability to pressure 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy and exploit the weaknesses in the 49ers’ defense. With Mahomes leading the way, the Chiefs have proven time and time again that they can overcome the odds. It will be an exciting matchup between two talented teams, but don’t be surprised if the Chiefs come out on top once again.