Super Bowl LIV: Unexpected Performers

Players like Tyreek Hill, Travis Kelce and George Kittle will be the main focus of skill players in this year’s Super Bowl. However, there are certain guys who should not go unnoticed. There are always skill players that make one monumental play, or go off when they are not expected to. Today, we will list our five players that could come through with an unexpected Super Bowl performance. Let’s get started.

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1) Sammy Watkins

After a very hushed 2019 regular season, Sammy Watkins has come alive in the playoffs. This is similar to what he did last season as well. Being able to connect with Patrick Mahomes for open catches and explosive gains has made the Kansas City Chiefs offense more deadly. Overall, he still has the speed to give defenders trouble. He can beat you vertically, or sit in the soft spots of zone coverage.

In both of his AFC Championship Game appearances with Kansas City, Watkins accumulated 114 yards through the air. He has come through in the big moments in these games. That is the exact reason why general manager Brett Veach signed him a couple of offseasons ago. Veach talked about this after the AFC Championship Game. He said Watkins was brought in to put the Chiefs over the top. His performances have been crucial for Kansas City in the postseason. Most of all, do not be surprised if Watkins has another impressive showing in the Super Bowl.

2) Damien Williams

If you talk about the upcoming NFL Draft, many would say the Chiefs should be looking to add a running back. However, Damien Williams has thrived in the starting back role over the last four games. Since returning from injury, he has registered over 90 total yards in three of four contests. Moreover, he has reached the end zone countless times.

It may seem weird to put Williams in this unexpected performance category. Yet, we know the Chiefs love to throw the ball all over the yard. He fits perfectly in this offense, as a dual threat back. Additionally, Andy Reid and Eric Bieniemy showed great patience in the AFC title game to utilize the running game. In his career, Williams has scored all but one postseason touchdown with the Chiefs. He continues to shine in big games as well. Furthermore, Williams’ patience and dual threat ability could mesh well against the San Francisco 49ers in the Super Bowl.

3) Kendrick Bourne

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On the 49ers side of things, Kendrick Bourne is a wide receiver who definitely fits this category. His reception and yardage numbers from the season won’t wow you. But, he is sneaky good in big games. Bourne does a nice job of setting himself for long yardage plays. Being sure handed, makes things that much simpler for this receiver.

Bourne can beat you vertically. Also, there are many tough catches that he makes against strong coverage. Again, Bourne’s numbers will not jump off the page. On the other hand, his average yards per reception is impressive. The Chiefs will want to limit opportunities for him in the Super Bowl.

4) Jimmy Garoppolo

Are we really putting Jimmy Garoppolo in this category? Yes we are. In a game where Mahomes is on the opposite side, it is easy to focus on him. Nonetheless, Garoppolo’s style continues to be slept on.

He fits Kyle Shanahan‘s offense to a tee. Meanwhile, Jimmy G is capable of throwing the ball 30 or more times in a game in a shootout. His accuracy is special and Garoppolo can pick defenses apart. They love to run the ball. But, the 49ers have no problem in putting the game in Garoppolo’s hands. The Super Bowl may turn into a game where he may need to throw it more. We’ll see just how he fares if that is the case in Miami.

5) Mecole Hardman

The role for Mecole Hardman in his rookie season has been up and down. Despite this, he has provided sparks to this Chiefs team at the most crucial times. Think of his kick return in the Divisional Round. His speed has always been dangerous. More so, Hardman’s vision as a kick returner has improved greatly as the season has wore on.

The Georgia product could be in store for an explosive play on special teams. After all, this Super Bowl will be played in Miami (think Devin Hester). In a big game like this, it would not hurt to get Hardman some touches on offense. We could see him get a chance on an end around/touch pass, or simply running some routes. The production has been limited. However, the long yardage plays have been commonplace for the rookie. All of his touchdowns have been over 25 or 30 yards. Do not sleep on Hardman going into the Super Bowl game.

Stay tuned all next week for more Super Bowl and Chiefs content. For more great sports and NFL content, stay tuned to Full Press Coverage.

– Braden Holecek is the Kansas City Chiefs managing editor for Full Press Coverage. He covers the NFL. Like and follow on Follow @ebearcat9 //platform.twitter.com/widgets.js Follow @FPC_Chiefs //platform.twitter.com/widgets.js and Facebook.