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The San Francisco 49ers have built a star-studded offensive skill group. Names like George Kittle, Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk have been long-term fixtures as homegrown draft picks. Meanwhile, the running back position has seen many names handle the workload throughout Kyle Shanahan‘s tenure. Yet, the trade acquisition of Christian McCaffrey was arguably the biggest potential gamble that the 49ers took to complete their offensive skill group. And by no means, are names like Kittle, Samuel or Aiyuk any slouches. But, the addition of McCaffrey has just made San Francisco much more dangerous and more versatile.
Even in today’s pass-happy NFL, teams that can routinely find success on the ground appear to be the most daunting offenses. Having to face the 49ers offensive group is knowing that any of these skill players can wreck games at any moment. But for Christian McCaffrey himself, he is not your typical running back. His ability to outrace defenders in the open field is a bonus. But, his ability as a pass catcher and as a route runner is also highly threatening for defenders.
How will the Chiefs defense look to corral Christian McCaffrey in Super Bowl LVIII? Plus, will San Francisco look for the 49ers running back to be the main force in carrying them across the finish line? Let’s kick it off.
Differences With CMC Involved
There are some similarities to this Chiefs and 49ers Super Bowl, compared to what we saw four years ago in Super Bowl LIV. Kansas City defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo was the same Chiefs defensive coordinator back then. So, he has already seen this unique and complex offensive scheme in the Super Bowl, beforehand. At the same time, aforementioned weapons like Kittle and Samuel were involved in that previous Super Bowl meeting. An underrated piece at fullback, Kyle Juszczyk, was also involved in the previous Super Bowl meeting. Simply put, knowing what those guys already bring in a big game is monumental for Spagnuolo and the Chiefs defense.
However, there was no Christian McCaffrey involved in the Super Bowl LIV meeting. Spagnuolo and Kansas City did see him in the regular season last year with the 49ers. Though, McCaffrey had just come in after the trade and was not fully entrenched within his role on his new squad.
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There are obviously going to be a few differences with CMC involved in this Super Bowl, compared to Super Bowl LIV. For starters, McCaffrey offers a much different tempo than what Raheem Mostert or Jeff Wilson did as runners four years ago. CMC can utilize patience and sit back for blocks to develop. To boot, McCaffrey is much more difficult to bring down in the open field. He has more tools in his bag against contact, like a stiff arm or a variety of jukes. Finally, McCaffrey’s pass catching ability can be a weapon in any area of the field in any way possible.
How Will Kansas City Defend McCaffrey?
How Kansas City goes about trying to defend Christian McCaffrey is truly fascinating. On one hand, Spagnuolo and the Chiefs have not been afraid to double-team opposing skill players in various points this season. Nonetheless, it is much more simple to attempt to do that against pass catchers, compared to running backs.
Could we see KC stack the box and the line of scrimmage against Christian McCaffrey? Or, will the Chiefs look to have a spy watching CMC at all times? Linebackers Drue Tranquill and Willie Gay may be the most equipped to try and keep up with McCaffrey in space. Gay is arguably the most twitchy and most technically sound athlete of all of the Chiefs linebackers. Meanwhile, Tranquill’s ability to cover against the pass and make difficult tackles in space has been a major benefit to this year’s defense.
The run defense has been an up-and-down challenge for this otherwise dominant Chiefs defense. Getting off of blocks and filling run fits have been the most difficult tasks to consistently accomplish. If Kansas City cannot get off of blocks and into running lanes quicker in this Super Bowl, Christian McCaffrey could find an immediate groove.
Is 49ers Running Back Going To Be Reason San Francisco Wins?
If the 49ers are going to win Super Bowl LVIII, perhaps they lean on Christian McCaffrey as he receives a hefty workload. The other skill players are just as dangerous. San Francisco has proven that they can come back from playoff deficits while being balanced and hitting on shots through the air. But in the end, McCaffrey may be the biggest key to the 49ers grabbing control of things in this Super Bowl.
If he is able to invoke punishment on the ground, Kansas City will be forced to be less aggressive than they are hoping to be. Meanwhile, successful attempts on the ground by Chrisitan McCaffrey would certainly open up more opportunities for other 49ers skill players. As for his usage in the passing game, San Francisco may look to force a couple of early throws to CMC. If the Chiefs are unable to bring him down in space, Kansas City may be forced to adjust way earlier than expected. All told, Christian McCaffrey is the ultimate wild card for the San Francisco offense if they are to win this game, despite him playing a low-value position.
Be on the lookout for more FPC Chiefs articles and analysis throughout this 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.