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Can anyone other than Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce step up for the Chiefs offense?
Even in a down year, the Patrick Mahomes to Travis Kelce connection remains dynamite for the Kansas City Chiefs. Defenses still struggle to contain the duo, partly because for a handful of plays a game they have no idea what they’re going to do themselves.
It hasn’t always been a slick a production this season. The Chiefs offense has ebbed and flowed, with Kelce showing signs of his advancing (for a tight end) age. But when the team has needed the pair most, they’ve delivered. Kelce has been the second-most valuable tight end in the league on third down by EPA per play – and ranks first among the receivers who will be on the field on Sunday. One problem: Fred Warner. In Warner, the San Francisco 49ers have a part-pterodactyl, part-linebacker capable of matching up with Kelce’s size and speed. If Warner can contain Kelce – or the Niners opt to double-team the tight end – the Chiefs will have to find production from elsewhere. That could come from their run-game, which has been effective throughout the playoffs. But at some point, one of the Chiefs’ wide receivers will need to deliver in a crucial moment.
Rookie Rashee Rice has been a standout this season. Marquez Valdes-Scantling has flashed in the postseason. The rest of the receiving corps, though, have vanished like werewolves around a pile of silver bullets. The Chiefs will need to match the Niners’ offense splash play for splash play. If Kelce is limited, they will need one of Rice or Valdes-Scantling to tip the game in their favor.
Related: Super Bowl 2024: your 49ers v Chiefs questions, answered
Will the Chiefs blitz Brock Purdy?
Purdy’s ability to diagnose and attack aggressive defenses has been an underrated part of the quarterback’s development. For all his schematic prowess, Kyle Shanahan’s offense does not cope well when blitzed. That’s partly what sunk Jimmy Garoppolo in big spots – and why…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/chiefs-blitz-romo-rambles-issues-083036863.html
Author : The Guardian
Publish date : 2024-02-09 08:30:36
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