The matchup is set.
We have arrived at Super Bowl LVIII (58) in what feels like a blink of an eye. The anticipation for this showdown between the San Francisco 49ers and the Kansas City Chiefs is ramping up as we’re just days away from the big game. Patrick Mahomes’ team is looking to win its third title in the last five years, while the Niners are hoping to get some revenge after their disappointing loss in Super Bowl LIV (54) and win the franchise’s first championship since the 1994 season.
The Niners’ time to shine.
As was mentioned, the last ring the 49ers won was 29 years ago. If there is one thing that SF is known for, it’s quarterbacks. Before there was Brock Purdy or Jimmy Garoppolo, there was Joe Montana. Montana led the 49ers to four Super Bowl victories, paving the way for the franchise they are today. Their last ring was won by Steve Young who learned from the best in Montana. With Young steering the ship, and a defense consisting of several veterans, San Francisco finished the regular season with a league-best 13–3 record.
They have had two other unsuccessful Super Bowl appearances, in 2013 and 2020. So what’s different now? Well first off, Brock Purdy is the difference. While witnessing the Mahomes era for the past seven years, there is no doubt that the QB is the difference. However, the 49ers have the offense, their defense needs to be up to par as well. There is no doubt that the Chiefs can run. The Niners need to be able to stop Mahomes, something that failed against the Lions. With fellow DE Charles Omenihu out for the big game, Nick Bosa needs to be on his A-game to handle the Chiefs’ offense.
One last go around in KC?
Although many devoted fans hate to say it, Patrick Mahomes is on the decline. He’s not done tormenting defenses yet but the question is: will this be his last Super Bowl appearance? Let’s not rule him out completely yet. But, the ultimate duo, Mahomes and Travis Kelce, may be playing their last game together.
There has only been fan speculation about this, and no actual news, but some fans think that Travis may want to go out at the same time as his brother. And who knows maybe he can go out with a bang and win his third Super Bowl ring.
What the game will look like?
As we are a few short days away, the 49ers are favored to win. But everyone knows that the Chiefs can come out of nowhere and just like that, they are up by two touchdowns. It is Brock Purdy’s first Super Bowl and although he has not cracked yet, he may, from all the pressure leading up to the ultimate Sunday night game.
Knowing both offenses, this could come down to the final minutes, to the last touchdown. Count everything but don’t count out former Mr. Irrelevant, Joe Montana said it best, “Obviously, there was some reason that the 49ers selected him [with the] last pick in the [2022 NFL Draft].”
