Three Kansas City Chiefs storylines to watch during Super Bowl LVIII vs. 49ers
Much is made of the San Francisco 49ers’ advantage in the running game for Super Bowl LVIII, and rightfully so.
Running back Christian McCaffrey led the NFL in rushing yards (1,459) and the Niners had the league’s third-best rushing offense.
They’ll be going against a Chiefs defense that ranked 19th against the run and is dealing with some injuries on the defensive line. End Charles Omenihu suffered a torn ACL in the AFC title game, for instance, and run-stopping tackle Derrick Nnadi suffered a triceps injury in the Wild Card round against the Dolphins. He played in all three of the Chiefs’ recent Super Bowls.
But don’t discount the Chiefs’ running game, which has been a weapon and provided big moments in the Patrick Mahomes era of KC Super Bowls.
In Super Bowl LIV, some believed the game’s MVP honors should have gone to running back Damien Williams, who rushed for 104 yards and a touchdown in the Chiefs’ victory over the 49ers.
In last year’s Super Bowl LVII, Isiah Pacheco averaged 5.1 yards per carry on 15 attempts and rushed for a touchdown against the Philadelphia Eagles. Mahomes scrambled for 26 pivotal yards to set up Harrison Butker’s game-winning field goal.
Even in the Chiefs’ Super Bowl LV loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Clyde Edwards-Helaire averaged 7.1 yards per carry — one of the best efforts of his career.
Pacheco, whose aggressive running style Chiefs coach Andy Reid compares to former 49ers great Roger Craig, has scored a rushing touchdown in each of Kansas City’s postseason games this year. And he’s going up against a defense that allowed an average of nearly 159 rushing yards in two playoff contest.
This Super Bowl features stars in the passing game: Mahomes and Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, for example, vs. 49ers standouts like tight end George Kittle, Brandon Ayiuk and Deebo Samuel. But don’t be surprised if Super Bowl LVIII turns into a ground-game battle, with the Chiefs able to hold their own.
Here’s what else to watch as the Chiefs bid for their third Super Bowl championship in five years:
Travis Kelce’s consistency
Kelce has a big fan in Kellen Winslow, the Hall of Fame tight end and former Missouri Tigers star.
“If the game’s on the line, he wants the ball,” Winslow said. “You can see it some guy’s eyes, they’re not ready. Travis is always ready.”
Here’s how ready: Starting with the Super Bowl LIV season, Kelce has played in three playoff games each year. These are his numbers:
2019: 19 receptions, 207 yards, four touchdowns
2020: 31 receptions, 360 yards, four touchdowns
2021: 23 receptions, 299 yards, three touchdowns
2022: 27 receptions, 257 yards, four touchdowns
2023: 23 receptions, 262 yards, three touchdowns
That production is above and beyond his lofty regular-season totals and the consistency is remarkable. Kelce is a spotlight player.
Harrison Butker looks to cap his greatest season
Butker made his first 23 and final 15 field goals this season, with a couple of misses in between.
This was his best year with the Chiefs, with 94.3% accuracy on field goals and 100% on extra points (38 attempts). At Allegiant Stadium during the regular season, he hit a 32-yard field goal and four extra points.
He’s made all 15 of his kicks, seven field goals and eight extra points, during the playoffs. Another perfect and productive day will give him the best of his seven NFL seasons.
Last Chiefs rodeo for Chris Jones?
After sitting out the Chiefs’ offseason activities, the preseason and their season opener against the Detroit Lions, Chris Jones signed a one-year deal and turned in an All-Pro season.
After the Super Bowl, Jones and the Chiefs will be back at the negotiating table.
“It will pick up right where it left off,” Chiefs general manager Brett Veach said. “There will be more knowledge on both sides. The (salary) cap will be a little big higher. It will be a priority like it was last year.”
Jones has had a big impact on the Chiefs’ playoff run. He’ll be looking for his first career Super Bowl sack on Sunday against the 49ers.
