Two keys to a Chiefs victory in Super Bowl LIV

The Kansas City Chiefs are looking for their first Super Bowl win in 50 years.  The last time they were there, they defeated the heavily favored Minnesota Vikings in Super Bowl IV 23-7.  Things are a bit different nowadays, but the game still has the same meaning.

The Chiefs will obviously be led by their star quarterback Patrick Mahomes.  Mahomes was the league MVP last season and despite having another excellent season, was looked at as an afterthought with the emergence of Lamar Jackson.  Let’s take a look at three keys to a Chiefs’ Super Bowl victory.

Get the run game going

Sure the Chiefs have made it to the Super Bowl with Patrick Mahomes as their leading rusher, but that trend can’t continue if they plan on winning the Super Bowl.  The Chiefs are built on their dynamic wide receivers and explosive playmaking abilities.  However, the 49ers are a different kind of defense.

The Niners don’t allow big plays so the Chiefs may need to rely on their run game.  Unfortunately for them, their run game isn’t exactly good.  The combination of LeSean McCoy and Damien Williams have done next to nothing in the postseason.

There are two ways the Chiefs can attack this;  Have designed running plays for Mahomes, similar to how the Ravens have them for Lamar Jackson.  The second and probably more practical way to do this is by putting the ball in Tyreek Hill’s hands.  Hill is an elite athlete with blinding speed who can turn the jets on quicker than just about anyone in the NFL.  Getting him involved will be the way to stay involved in the run game.

Make Jimmy G throw the ball

Jimmy Garoppolo threw the ball eight times in the NFC Championship Game.  The 49ers relied on the legs of Raheem Mostert.  Mostert ran for 220 yards and four touchdowns in the game.  The Packers have a decent defense but they could do nothing to stop the elite offensive line of the Niners.

The Chiefs will have to stack the box with at least nine men to keep Mostert off the box score.  They’ll need to force Jimmy G into throwing the ball more.  It’s a relative unknown on whether or not Garoppolo can lead a team to victory.

Jimmy G has been a good quarterback for a great team, but he’s never really had to be the main offensive weapon this season.  The 49ers offense has been built on their running game all season.  It’ll be interesting to see if the Chiefs’ defense can bully the Niners into deviating from their gameplan.