I like the Super Bowl matchup.
It should be entertaining.
The speed and power of San Francisco’s defense versus the incomparable play that is Patrick Mahomes and the high-powered Kansas City offense.
Exceptional defense versus exceptional offense.
Which will prove the difference between two teams that dare others to play to their strengths to beat them?
San Francisco’s defense smothered Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers.
Some pundits talk about the speed of Kansas City’s offense.
What about the speed of the 49ers defense? They made Rodgers and company look at least a step slow.
If the 49ers can get to Mahomes the way they did Rodgers it could be a very long evening for the Kansas City faithful.
I think the X factor in all of this is San Fran QB Jimmy Garropolo.
He hasn’t had to pass much lately as the 49er running game smashed first the Vikings and then the Pack.
If Kansas City is somehow able to stop the 49er ground game, it could cause Garropolo to become instrumental in the game’s outcome.
Jimmy has been able to hand the ball off and neither the Vikings or Packers could stop any of San Francisco’s backs.
What if Kansas City’s defense found a way to shut them down enough so that Jimmy would have to pass them to victory?
Could he do it?
I think he can.
But my hunch is he won’t have to.
The Chiefs may be able to force a few three and outs but the defense, which has been coming together and playing well of late under defensive coordinator Steve Spagnolo’s schemes will eventually have their luck run out as the game progresses.
On the other side of the ball, the thought is you can never count out Patrick Mahomes.
So far, KC’s offensive line has done a brilliant job at keeping Mahomes upright.
KC’s offense plays fast.
The problem is like the Vikings and Packers before them, the speed of their offense is eclipsed by the fleetness of San Francisco’s defense.
I predict Nick Bosa is double teamed and still manages to pressure Mahomes if not get to him a couple of times.
Mahomes may be the best QB in football. And he gets rid of the ball fast. He also makes plays with his feet. His decision making is unparalleled. And he has the uncanny ability to rocket passes into tight windows successfully more often than not.
Mahomes and company will mostly have to avoid San Francisco’s pressure to be successful.
No matter Mahome’s prowess, he will be a different quarterback if he gets hit repeatedly and/or pressured regularly.
KC’s offensive line has protected him well enough to this point.
But they have not faced any defense as ferocious and fast as San Francisco’s.
The matchup is intriguing.
Yet it is still a long way away.
The two-week layoff before the game stands to affect the Chiefs and their offense negatively more so than San Francisco’s.
Jimmy can lead the ground and pound wear down of KC.
Mahomes momentum may have peaked in favor of rust which never sleeps regarding timing.
Make mine San Francisco featuring Jimmy G moving the chains just when KC needs a stop for any chance.
34-31.