Now that the highly anticipated Super Bowl LVIII has been determined to be a showdown between the Kansas City Chiefs and the San Francisco 49ers, it is the perfect occasion for Doug Farrar of This week to provide some insightful analysis. In this edition, Farrar tackles some thought-provoking inquiries:
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Doug: Utilize Brock Purdy in situations where he can easily read the defense and anticipate throws. The 49ers reached the Super Bowl despite being outplayed by the Packers in the divisional round and the Lions in the NFC Championship game. Purdy’s performance played a significant role in their success, but he struggled with late throws, missed open receivers, and lacked the ability to throw his targets open. Kyle Shanahan should start Purdy with simpler plays to establish a rhythm and gain a better understanding of the Chiefs’ defensive strategies. However, it won’t be easy against the Chiefs’ defense, known for its unpredictable coverage switches and dime defense looks. Shanahan needs to make it easier for his young quarterback to avoid a difficult Sunday for the team.
Kyle: Tackling is crucial for the 49ers. They had a staggering 150 missed tackles this season and struggled to defend screen passes. In previous years, this may not have been a significant issue as the Chiefs heavily relied on their intermediate-to-deep passing game. However, this year they have adjusted their strategy, and Mahomes frequently throws behind or within 9 yards of the line of scrimmage. The 49ers need to tackle effectively to limit the Chiefs’ offensive success. If they fail to do so, it will be challenging for them to get off the field.
(Doug: Chiefs cornerback L’Jarius Sneed is a highly skilled player who deserves more recognition. He has excelled in various aspects of the game, including tackling, pressuring the quarterback, and pass coverage. Sneed has the speed and technique to match up against top receivers and disrupt their plays. His ability to bait quarterbacks into making poor throws and his knack for forcing turnovers make him a formidable opponent for Brock Purdy and the 49ers’ passing game.
Kyle: Rookie safety Ji’Ayir Brown will be a target for the Chiefs’ offensive strategies. While Brown has shown promise, he has also made mistakes in coverage and missed crucial tackles due to his aggressive playing style. Against the Chiefs, getting out of position or misreading plays can lead to disastrous consequences for the defense. However, Brown’s athleticism and ability to create turnovers make him a vital asset for the 49ers. If he performs at his best, the 49ers have a real chance of containing the Chiefs’ offense similar to the Ravens in the AFC Championship game.
Doug: I predict a close game with the Chiefs winning 27-24. Their offense has found its rhythm in the playoffs, and their defense, led by Steve Spagnuolo, has been instrumental in their success. Isiah Pacheco, the Chiefs’ running back, could be the difference-maker with his ability to overpower the 49ers’ defense. If he can consistently break through their front six, it could disrupt the 49ers’ defense and open up opportunities for Patrick Mahomes.
Kyle: The Chiefs have the advantage with a better quarterback, coach, and defense. The 49ers have struggled defensively in the playoffs, making it difficult to envision a victory for them. While the 49ers have a talented team, their inability to stop the run poses a significant challenge. If they fall behind, it will be challenging for them to catch up. I predict a 30-23 win for the Chiefs.