The Kansas City Chiefs entered Super Bowl 58 as underdogs.
But, that was the case for each of the two previous playoff games they played as well.
While the Chiefs did not evenly stack up with the 49ers, they did have the best quarterback on the field.
The 49ers’ game plan was to take the ball out of Patrick Mahomes’ hands.
But, the Chiefs were hoping to make Niner quarterback Brock Purdy throw the ball as many times as possible.
San Francisco has the best running back in the NFL in Christian McCaffrey.
That is why it was easy for them to say they wanted to make Purdy throw the ball.
According to PFF, Chiefs cornerback L’Jarius Snead said: “We just wanted Brock to throw the ball.”
L’Jarius Sneed on the Chiefs defensive gameplan pic.twitter.com/m4mKhtGIS5
— PFF (@PFF) February 12, 2024
While Purdy is a capable passer, he is far from elite.
The Chiefs had success slowing down the 49ers passing game.
San Francisco did not have a wide receiver or tight end go for over 50 yards.
The Chiefs wanted to make Purdy beat them and he was unable to do so.
Purdy ended up throwing for 255 yards and one touchdown.
He missed some key throws that could have helped the 49ers extend their lead and put the game away.
That is what the Chiefs were banking on.
Kansas City had one of the best defenses in the NFL this season.
That is something we could not say in the recent past.
Taking the pressure off Mahomes to be perfect every game is what brought the Chiefs another title.
“Defense wins championships” is an old football adage, and that was the case with the Chiefs this season.
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Patrick Mahomes, Andy Reid Have Clear Message About Potential 3-Peat
