To Be The Best, You Have To Beat The Best

A lot of attention is being given to the games MVP in QB Patrick Mahomes. He threw for 333 yards and two touchdown passes, including the game winner in overtime to WR Mecole Hardman who was brought back mid-season after being released from the New York Jets. Mahomes also ran for 66 yards and the Chiefs had more rushing yards than the 49ers (130-110). However, this game was won by the Chiefs defense.

San Francisco only averaged 3.5 yards per rush and were 3 for 12 on third down. Even though RB Christian McCaffrey had 160 total yards from scrimmage, this game had to be decided in overtime and for some reason he attempted only one rush of their nine total plays in the 3rd quarter. The last point says more about the Niners than the Chiefs defense, but there is no doubt that Kansas City’s defense played a part in the strategy adjustment for an entire quarter.

Cornerbacks L’Jarius Sneed and Trent McDuffie showed why the Chiefs defense was able to accomplish this victory. McDuffie had three passes defended to his credit, including a touchdown saving one in the second quarter. Even though Chris Jones didn’t have a sack, but he disrupted many plays including the last one for the Niners in overtime that would have likely been a touchdown. Instead QB Brock Purdy had to rush the throw and it was well out of reach.

We know how good Mahomes is and how well this offense is conducted with head coach Andy Reid. What made this entire season different was the fact that their defense played to their strengths for most of the year where the offense faltered a lot. The expectation was that the Chiefs offense would be another juggernaut right out of the gate. When it became apparent that wasn’t going to be the case, there were many doubts that they would be in this position. I and many others were proven wrong.

Congratulations to the Kansas City Chiefs for winning their 4th Super Bowl title in franchise history. They now head into an offseason where the potential is there for them to win a third straight Super Bowl title. It has never been accomplished in the NFL. Many others had a chance for a three peat before them, but failed. Let’s see if that holds true for this franchise.