When it comes to Superbowl LVIII being played in Las Vegas, these two teams and coaches know each other and have been down this road before. Who can’t forget Superbowl LIV in Miami back in 2020. The Niners and former QB Jimmy Garoppolo had a 10-point cushion heading into the 4th quarter, as many had raised eyebrows of concern regarding the Chiefs offensive struggles through three quarters.
This was Patrick Mahomes’ first Superbowl and just the beginning on his postseason path to greatness. Going into the 4th quarter, the Chiefs trailed 20-10 and their offense had been struggling. One thing we all have and will continue to learn is that when you have Patrick Mahomes on the field, anything is possible, including 21 unanswered points by K.C. in the final quarter to seal the victory.
Fast forward to the current year of 2024 and a matchup that has all the fixings to be a classic. Brock Purdy aka “Mr. Irrelevant” vs. a legend in the making, Patrick Mahomes. Let’s look at both quarterbacks, starting with Brock Purdy. Purdy is only playing in his second season after being the last pick in the draft, landing as the 262nd overall pick.
His journey from the last pick in the draft to the current starting QB for the Niners and leading them to the Superbowl is truly a real-life movie. Speaking of movies, there always seems to be a plot and climatic shifts that occur along the way. How will this one end and will there be a San Francisco sequel in the future? This is the million-dollar question that will be answered amongst the Vegas lights within the next week or so.
In the two playoff games in which the Niners had to claw and literally fight their way back against the Packers and Lions, Purdy was truly tested in key situational moments. He not only showed poise and leadership, but he also made things happen with his legs, improvising on the fly. Two huge 21-yard scrambles in the
4th quarter vs the Lions and 48 rushing yards for the game certainly helped his case and the Niners advance in the NFC Championship game to play in Superbowl LVIII.
Purdy has shown some vulnerability at times, particularly vs the Ravens with 4 interceptions as he was under heavy pressure throughout the game. When he’s given different looks at the line of scrimmage pre-snap, there sometimes is an element of confusion with Purdy and an increased level of mistakes. With that being said, his overall grade and style of play still earns him an A- on my report card going into Superbowl LVIII.
Let’s now pivot to Patrick Mahomes and his brilliance, particularly in the postseason after having some issues offensively at times during the regular season. There clearly was a case of “butter fingers” from his receivers dropping passes in crucial situations. The one thing that I and many have noticed regarding Mahomes, is that he elevates his level of play in the postseason.
When the lights seem to shine the brightest, Mahomes matches that intensity with his level of play. No matter who’s on the other side of the ball, he surgically picks apart opposing defenses with his reads at the line of scrimmage and acts of improvisation with his legs. He’s got an amazing postseason record, to the tune of 14-3 as a starter.
Mahomes has a QBR of 106.3 in the postseason, throwing for 4,802 yds, 39 TD’s. and just 7 interceptions while completing 67.4% of his passes. Despite not having a heavy arsenal of speed on the outside, he’s managed to get the Chiefs back to the big dance with limited options offensively. One thing that makes Mahomes magic act even more entertaining is that he helps others elevate their level of play on the field.
In addition to Mahomes, Rashee Rice, Isaiah Pacheco, and Travis Kelce will be the key factors offensively if the Chiefs are going to win this game.
Defensively, K.C. has one of the best defenses in the league, ranking 2nd overall in total defense, only giving up 289.8 yds per game. Defensive Coordinator Steve Spagnoulo has done a masterful job with the Chiefs defense this season, as they’ve only surrendered five TDs in three playoff games.
On the other side of the ball, the Niners have looked suspect on defense, particularly against the run. The Lions carved up the Niners defense in the NFC Championship game, rushing for 148 yds and 3 TDs in the first half alone. The defensive line consisting of Nick Bosa and Chase Young must apply pressure on Mahomes if the Niners are to have any chance to win this game.
When it comes to coaching, we have two great coaches with different styles. Andy Reid is 258-144 all-time as a head coach, winning .641% of his games. His playoff records alone with K.C. is an impressive 15-7. The ultimate players coach, Reid has a knack for great execution, strategy, and in-game adjustments. Situationally, I trust Reid more than I do Shanahan. If Andy Reid can pull off another Superbowl victory, particularly with a limited roster, this will be one of his greatest accomplishments amongst many.
Kyle Shanahan is a brilliant coach in his own right, especially as an offensive mastermind. He certainly utilizes and gets the most out of every one of his players on the offensive side of the football. He has yet to win that highly touted Lombardi Trophy, hoping this year’s outcome may be different for the Niners.
The one key element that is lacking and needs to be improved upon pertaining to Shanahan is the ability to have proper in game adjustments at key moments offensively. The Niners can’t get in an early hole like they did against the Lions and expect to catch up and surpass Mahomes and the Chiefs.
I think this Vegas Superbowl is even more exciting than a Royal Flush with all card hands on deck. When the final seconds dwindle away, the Kansas City Chiefs, Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, and even Taylor Swift will hoist the Lombardi Trophy once again. This victory will be even sweeter than the BBQ sauce on that Andy Reid Cheeseburger.