Jimmy G Channels Inner Tom Brady

Everybody is sleeping on Jimmy G going into this game after mediocre performances in the NFC Divisional Rd & NFC Championship games. However, the 49ers know if it comes down to their QB to win the game, Jimmy G has proven capable of stepping up to the challenge, as seen in the shootout @ New Orleans and comeback victory to end the Rams season. Of course, this is the Super Bowl. The bright lights. The immense pressure. It’ll all play a part in Sunday’s game, and if this game comes down to the wire, the 49ers will need Jimmy G to channel his former teammate’s greatness and execute at a high level when it matters the most.

Create Havoc While Only Rushing 4 Guys

The 49ers have the best pass rush in the NFL. When a team has the best defensive rookie in the league, an elite pass rusher worthy of a franchise tag and monster contract, along with multiple former 1st rd picks along the D-Line, it’s easy to see why they had the 2nd highest pressure rate in the NFL (28.7%) and racked up the most sacks. Mahomes has thrown 18 interceptions in his career, 0 in the postseason. 17 of those have come when rushing 4 or less, while only 1 was thrown when being blitzed by 5 or more defenders. For the 49ers to slow down KC’s elite offense, they’ll need to pressure Mahomes with only four guys and seven others back in coverage.

Shanahan Dials Up the Innovation

Something that’s very possible in this game between two of the best, if not THE two best offensive play-callers in the game, is one coach could completely dominate the game, similar to how Belichick’s defense strategy was too much for the Rams playmakers to overcome in Super Bowl 53. Kyle Shanahan is recognized as one of the greatest offensive minds in the game and the culprit behind SF’s rise this season despite what was perceived to be average playmakers. If he can dial up some innovative calls that the Chiefs defense has no idea how to defend to get easy yards and/or points, it could be a huge advantage for a team that will need as many points as possible when battling against the KC Cannon.

BOLD KEY TO WINNING

Win the Turnover Battle by 2 or More

While the 49ers could dominate the time of possession in this game, we’ve seen that not have a negative effect on the Chiefs as they have a rare ability to score from anywhere on the football field in any amount of time. The real key to beating such an overwhelming offense is to force a couple mistakes and take advantage of those by translating turnovers into touchdowns. The monumental momentum that would come from not just 1 turnover, but 2 turnovers, is enough to give the NFC’s Super Bowl-leading squad enough of a boost to tie Pittsburgh & New England among the all-time NFL Super Bowl leaders. Of course, if Jimmy G or any of the young football players on San Francisco commit their own turnover, it’ll be next to impossible to force a 3rd turnover from the Chiefs. KC has never lost the turnover battle by more than 1, and maybe that’s why they’ve never lost with a healthy Patrick Mahomes this season.