The San Francisco 49ers have proven themselves as the best in the NFC. Up ahead for them is a chance to prove to the rest of the league the idea that they have been peddling all season long — that they are the best in the NFL.
Defense
If the old adage “defense wins championships” is true, the 49ers should be in good shape. They’ve been dominant in the playoffs after finishing up the regular season with arguably the league’s best defense. Both points and yards are hard to come by against the stingy 49ers. At the center of San Francisco’s success is the team’s defensive line.
It gives offensive lines headaches and makes quarterbacks uncomfortable in the pocket. Dee Ford, Nick Bosa, DeForest Buckner, and Arik Armstead can all bring the pressure. With such a deep set of pass rushers, they have no problem blasting through opposing offensive lines. And with cornerback Richard Sherman locking down one side of the field, the 49ers defense is formidable, to say the least.
George Kittle
The Chiefs gave up the fifth-most yards in the NFL to tight ends during the 2019 season. This should come as good news to 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo. His chemistry with tight end George Kittle is clear. Garoppolo and Kittle are constantly connecting on big, clutch plays and that should come in handy against the Chiefs.
Many regard Kittle as the 49ers’ best player because he excels at blocking in addition to pulling in big receptions. Kittle has emerged as one of the premier tight ends in the league. In 2018 he broke the NFL record for most yardage by a tight end with 1,377 yards and followed that up with another 1,053 this season.
Jimmy Garoppolo
There’s a reason why Bill Belichick likes this guy. The 49ers think it’s because he’s got the makeup of a champion. Garoppolo might not fill up the stat sheet with gaudy numbers, but he limits mistakes and seems to connect when it matters the most. Garoppolo has silenced his critics with a 13-3 season and an NFC West division title. His teammates constantly comment on his great attitude and mental toughness. He has proven that he is ready to deliver in the game’s biggest stage.
The 49ers spent most of the regular season proving their naysayers wrong. Now, they will look to silence them once and for all, with sportsbooks opening Super Bowl 54 betting odds with San Francisco as the underdog.
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