Three Key Matchups Ahead of Super Bowl LVIII
The Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers are getting ready to square off from Las Vegas in a Super Bowl rematch from 2020, which ended with a Chiefs’ 31-20 comeback victory to claim their first Super Bowl Championship in the Mahomes era. Now, Brock Purdy, Christian McCaffrey, and the 49ers will be looking to get their revenge in Super Bowl LVIII on Sunday evening. With football being a game of matchups – O-Line vs. D-Line, receiver vs. cornerback, or coach vs. coach, the game will likely be determined based on the outcome of a few of those key battles. Here are three key matchups that will go a long way toward determining who comes out on top in Super Bowl LVIII.
1. Travis Kelce vs. 49ers Defense
Even for his standards, Travis Kelce’s regular season was considered a “down year,” as the All-Pro tight end failed to reach the 1,000 receiving-yard mark after having reached the benchmark for the past seven seasons. However, thus far in the playoffs, Kelce has proven to be his typical self, rising to the occasion. This was displayed against the Ravens in the AFC Championship Game, where Kelce recorded 11 catches for 116 yards and a touchdown grab. In the Chiefs' three postseason games, he has taken over with 23 receptions for 262 yards and three touchdowns.
The 49ers will not be happy about that because quality tight ends have played well against them. In particular, in terms of getting first downs and finding ways to get open. In the NFC Championship Game, the Niners’ defense gave up 97 yards on nine catches to Lions’ tight end Sam LaPorta. It will take a collective effort on the part of the Niners to slow Kelce down since the Chiefs can do a lot to make sure they put him in circumstances they like. Getting the Chiefs offense off the field will be difficult if Mahomes can rely on him the entire game.
2. Isiah Pacheco vs. 49ers Rushing Defense
The matchup between Chiefs' running back Isiah Pacheco and the 49ers’ rushing defense may be getting overlooked, as everyone knows how big of an impact the Niners’ running back Christian McCaffrey will have on the outcome of the game. In his second season, Pacheco has become an important vital piece within the Chiefs’ offense. In 14 games played this season, Pacheco racked up 935 yards for seven touchdowns on 205 carries. The Chiefs have been relying on Pacheco frequently so far this postseason. Andy Reid gave the ball to his leading rusher 28 times in a close game against the Ravens. Pacheco will continue to be an important component of Kansas City's offensive strategy on Sunday, considering how the Chiefs' rushing game matches up against the San Francisco D.
In the postseason, the 49ers defense has truly struggled to contain opposing running backs. They have allowed nearly 150 rushing yards per game in the playoffs so far, and David Montgomery rushed for nearly 100 yards against San Francisco in the NFC Championship game. In the Super Bowl of the previous year, Pacheco made a significant impression by amassing 76 yards, 5.1 yards per carry, and a pivotal touchdown against the Eagles. And it was against a formidable defensive line in Philadelphia, whereas the 49ers this season may present an even easier opponent for the Chiefs' running back.
3. Nick Bosa vs. Jawaan Taylor
San Francisco 49ers star pass rusher Nick Bosa is one of four remaining from the defensive unit that faced Mahomes and the Chiefs in Super Bowl LIV in Miami. Despite Mahomes being taken down four times by Bosa and associates, the quarterback for the Chiefs managed to come out on top. Bosa, who won the 2022 NFL Defensive Player of the Year award, will return to take another whack against Mahomes and the Chiefs on Sunday. Bosa will probably see more of Chiefs right tackle Jawaan Taylor than left tackle Donovan Smith because he will be lining up more on the defensive left side. During the 2023-24 season, Taylor was the most penalized offensive lineman, as he was flagged 20 times, including eight penalties for offensive holding. Meanwhile, Bosa tallied 10.5 sacks in the regular season, which is the third straight season of ten or more sacks. If Bosa and his teammates are able to get the upper hand again against the Chiefs’ offensive line, it could be a long day at the office for Mahomes.
