The NFL Roundup 2020: Super Bowl LIV

Written by John Edward Betancourt 

Well football fans, this is it. We’ve come to the end of one incredible road. For in less than twenty-four hours, we will all settle in to enjoy the wonder of Super Bowl Sunday and I know I’m not alone in being excited for this particular game. Because for the first time in a long time, this is a championship game that will be free of the usual trappings of the New England Patriots and allow for some fresh blood and dynamic talent to enjoy the wonder of hoisting the Lombardi Trophy.

​But what truly has everyone excited about this game, is that the powerhouse offenses featured in this one, will likely light up the scoreboard when these two teams take the field, which could make this one of the more exciting title games in recent years. So, without further ado, let’s dive right into this epic matchup and take an in depth look at both teams and what they will need to accomplish, in order to win Super Bowl LIV. 

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Super Bowl LIV
The NFC Champion San Francisco 49ers vs. The AFC Champion Kansas City Chiefs
Hard Rock Stadium – Miami, Florida
6:30 p.m. EST – FOX 

​THE SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS – STRENGTHS
If there is a consistent theme we are going to be discussing today, it’s going to be offensive play. Because both of these teams feature quality offenses, the kind that seem unstoppable and the O really is San Francisco’s greatest strength. Because they have talented wide receivers and a tight end that few defenses can handle and Jimmy Garoppolo has a wonderful rapport with all of his catchers and if by chance a team is able to blanket those receivers, not to worry, their run game is equally as stellar. Which means that this squad can beat you by land or by air and they will likely use a wonderful combination of both styles of play as they look to keep the KC defense off balance.
 
THE SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS – WEAKNESSES
While the Niners have wowed everyone with some impressive offensive play this season, their defense has unfortunately been quite lackluster at times. In fact, it is their greatest weakness. For this is a D that can be pushed around by the right squad, and while it boasts a wonderful pass rush, the right kind of disguise and play call can catch them off guard and allow for a big gain to take place. Plus, while Richard Sherman is one of the better corners out there, the rest of the secondary struggles to stop wide receivers and if the play package is right, an opposing offense can gain huge yards against this D if they catch them out of position.
 
THE KANSAS CITY CHIEFS – STRENGTHS
So, let’s talk about another stellar offense since the Chiefs feature one that is an outright juggernaut. For this O can basically score at will, thanks to its outright speed. Because their wide receivers are ridiculously fast and can turn on the juice on a moment’s notice and that makes life hell for opposing defenses. Plus, they also have one incredible tight end in Travis Kelce, who uses his deceptive speed and overall strength to make first downs happens and all of this is made possible by one man; Quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Because this young man is one of the most exciting QB’s to watch in the NFL right now, and once he gets warmed up, there’s no stopping him and this team will be relying on him to make some big plays come tomorrow night.
 
THE KANSAS CITY CHIEFS – WEAKNESSES
I feel as though I am starting to sound like a broken record, but the fact of the matter is, this defense has some issues as well. For the interior line can and will wear down if a team runs the ball hard against them, and that’s led to some ugly moments this season, where the KC defense has been outright torched on the ground. But while that interior has been known to shore up once they get exposed, the real problem with this defense, is its secondary. Because these corners and safeties are really mediocre at best and they are consistently burned on the field by receivers and tight ends, and their inability to stop anyone has cost the Kansas City Chiefs on a consistent basis, to the point where the offense has to put up a ridiculous amount of points in order to keep a win secure.
 
KEYS TO THE GAME
Since both of these teams feature similar problems, the game plan is basically the same for both of them in that; the quarterbacks need to take full advantage of what these mediocre secondaries offer up. Because they will consistently be out of position and playing soft coverage on the receivers. Meaning that this game has the makings of an outright Super Bowl shootout, which isn’t a bad thing by any means because we haven’t seen one of those in ages. But I digress. Because you expect a little more analysis than, ‘throw the ball’. So, with that in mind, these so-so defenses are going to have to accomplish some wonders in order to win this game.
 
Kansas City for example, has to put an end to the Niners run game and offer up some disguises with their coverages, to try and disrupt Kyle Shanahan’s carefully designed offense, and there is precedence for this to work since the Niners have been shaky at best when their O is one dimensional. And as for San Fran, well they need to work hard to neutralize Mahomes. Which means their pass rush has to be stellar, and while they don’t necessarily need to sack him on every single down, hitting him and keeping the pressure on, should prompt him to make early and inaccurate throws, and it should be interesting to see which defense finally brings their A game. Because the one that does, will revel in the wonder of being known as a Super Bowl Champion.