In Super Bowl 58, the Kansas City Chiefs defied expectations by entering the game as underdogs. This was a recurring theme for them in their previous playoff matches. Despite not matching up evenly with the 49ers, the Chiefs had the advantage of having the best quarterback on the field. The 49ers’ strategy was to limit Patrick Mahomes’ involvement in the game. On the other hand, the Chiefs aimed to force the Niner’s quarterback, Brock Purdy, to throw the ball as much as possible. With Christian McCaffrey, the NFL’s top running back, San Francisco confidently embraced this approach. L’Jarius Snead, a Chiefs cornerback, expressed their desire for Purdy to rely on his passing abilities.
Purdy, while competent, falls short of being an elite passer. The Chiefs effectively contained the 49ers’ passing game, preventing any wide receiver or tight end from gaining more than 50 yards. The Chiefs’ strategy of making Purdy the focal point of their defensive efforts paid off, as he struggled to make a significant impact. Throughout the game, Purdy managed to throw for 255 yards and one touchdown. However, he missed crucial throws that could have extended the 49ers’ lead and secured victory. This outcome was precisely what the Chiefs had anticipated.
This season, the Kansas City Chiefs boasted one of the NFL’s strongest defenses, a significant improvement compared to previous years. By alleviating the pressure on Mahomes to perform flawlessly in every game, the Chiefs were able to claim another championship. The age-old football adage, “defense wins championships,” certainly held true for the Chiefs in this remarkable season.
According to the Source thecoldwire.com