Chiefs D vs 49ers O: Three Key Matchups

The Kansas City Chiefs defense will have a tall task in the Super Bowl against the San Francisco 49ers offense. However, this defensive unit has shocked some people with their performances in the postseason. The 49ers running game is what will likely be the toughest to stop. Though, you cannot count out someone like Jimmy Garoppolo. Now, let’s get it started with our first of three key matchups between the Chiefs D and 49ers O.

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Chiefs Front Seven vs 49ers Rushing Attack

Raheem Mostert ran wild in the NFC Championship Game. Rumbling for 220 yards and four touchdowns, the 49ers definitely feel confident with this rusher. Mostert has come a long way. After being cut by multiple teams, he finally got a chance to shine with San Francisco. However, he is not the only dangerous runner in their backfield. When healthy, Tevin Coleman is a difficult force to bring down. Matt Breida can still be a sneaky weapon, as well.

The Chiefs have heard that you cannot stop run, even before this Super Bowl matchup with the 49ers. Yet, Derrick Henry was held to just 69 yards in the AFC title game. He was enjoying such a monstrous pace. But, Kansas City slowed him down. Frank Clark and Chris Jones will likely be the two guys who most will have their eyes on. Nevertheless, do not forget about how well Mike Pennel, Tanoh Kpassagnon, Anthony Hitchens and others have played lately either. Can the Chiefs stun the 49ers rushing attack, just like they did the Tennessee Titans?

Tyrann Mathieu vs George Kittle

Tyrann Mathieu is capable of doing it all for the Kansas City defense. He can line up all over the field, and is always up for the task against larger sized skill players. The Honey Badger will likely be counted on for the second part of that last sentence. For example, we have seen him take on taller or bulkier receivers during this season. Think about how well he did against the likes of Courtland Sutton and DeAndre Hopkins.

George Kittle is certainly a much different player, stylistically, than those two. It will take a determined player to stop him. Moreover, Mathieu has the intelligence and instincts to go toe to toe with Kittle throughout the entirety of a game. Kyle Shanahan‘s game plan will ultimately determine how much of Kittle we see. He has not caught a ton of passes in the playoffs so far. But, we know the Iowa product can explode at any moment. This will be an exciting matchup for two radiant personalities when the Chiefs and 49ers get set to square off.

Chiefs Pass Rush vs 49ers Offensive Line

San Francisco runs very creative blitzes with their pass rush. On the other hand, the Chiefs are just as creative and diverse when bringing the house. Steve Spagnuolo has some past experience and success in Super Bowls with the New York Giants. He will not be scared to send constant blitz calls against the Niners. Literally, any player on this Chiefs team is capable of coming on a blitz call. Do not be surprised to see defensive back blitz calls for guys like Bashaud Breeland, Daniel Sorensen and the aforementioned Mathieu. To boot, Spags won’t hesitate to send multiple rushers from each side of the line of scrimmage.

The Chiefs will be determined, but they definitely should not underestimate this 49ers offensive line. General manager John Lynch has quietly built this unit to a dominant force. Mike McGlinchey and Mike Person have continued to grow in San Fran’s system. Elsewhere, veteran Joe Staley is one of the more bygone veterans. Quite simply, he is still a force at left tackle, even if he does not constantly get talked about. Both units may feel undervalued. Though, these Chiefs and 49ers units do not care. They will just go out and do what they know like the best in the world.

Be on the lookout for the Chiefs versus 49ers Super Bowl preview to end the week. 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.