The stage is officially set for this year’s Super Bowl, where the Kansas City Chiefs play the San Francisco 49ers. Each team won their divisional championship matchups last weekend in close games. The Chiefs beat the Ravens in a 17-10 stalemate game, where Tight end Travis Kelce proved he could be the key for the Chiefs’ Super Bowl hopes, racking up 116 yards and a touchdown. The Ravens posted a good game but let down their fans with the early season promise of a Super Bowl game.
Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes has proved himself to be one of the most consistent players in the league, with six total AFC championship appearances. Mahomes went 30-39 with 240 yards. Ravens quarterback-receiver duo Lamar Jackson and Zay Flowers were two of the few bright spots on the team on Saturday. Lamar passed for 270 yards, and Zay Flowers caught for 115 receiving yards. Defensively, both teams stood firm, but Chiefs cornerback L’jarius Sneed had a clutch forced fumble, which suppressed the Ravens’ hopes of a comeback. When asked about the game, Sophomore Bobby Kelly replied, “I’m excited to see the Chiefs and Taylor (Swift) in the Superbowl.” Bobby’s opinions reflect that of thousands of American and Taylor Swift fans after the Chiefs win, and various news sources predict this to be the highest-viewed Super Bowl ever.
The fan-favorite Lions also lost in the divisional championship in a heartbreaking 34-31 loss to propel the 49ers to the Superbowl. The Lions took an early lead thanks to their strong running game and three of their running backs had a touchdown and over 40 yards. The Lions were up 24-7 going into halftime but 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan made some major adjustments to get the 49ers back on track. They attacked the Lions with star running back Christian Mccaffrey who scored two touchdowns and they also found success in the passing game.
49ers receivers Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk had great games, and despite Samuel’s questionable injury status he still prevailed with 89 yards. Quarterback Brock Purdy played a great game with 270 passing yards. The 49ers also had a major defensive comeback, only letting up 10 points in the second half. The highest-graded linebacker this season, Fred Warner, is a massive key to the 49ers’ success and he had 13 tackles in the playoff game. Edge rusher Nick Bosa also had an impressive performance with 2 sacks. However, possibly the most undervalued piece of the 49ers puzzle is 13-year veteran offensive tackle Trent Williams. Williams did a great job in shutting down star Lions defensive linemen Aidan Hutchinson who did not have a single tackle on Sunday. Freshman Matthew Volpe said that, “Trent Williams is the sole reason for the 49ers’ success this year.” Matthew is a diehard 49ers fan and regards Williams as the best player on the roster. So far this season Williams has not allowed a sack all season and it will be interesting to see him matched up against the Chiefs’ defensive line in the Superbowl.
