Quote:
Originally Posted by DJ's left nut
The 49ers are the toughest matchup in the NFL for the Chiefs.
The Chiefs can struggle if you get pressure w/ 4 because they can't run the ball efficiently enough to slow the DL down and the screen game just hasn't been very good. So teams that can send 4 and create havoc can keep 7 in coverage and do enough to clog up passing lanes and/or disrupt the timing of the offense. With Bosa, Armstead, Buckner and (yes) Ford - that's a lot of guys that can **** stuff up on the DL. It's a nasty front that can make things difficult all day without having to send extra defenders.
On offense they have genuine game-breakers out of the backfield in Mostert and Breida, who are both very elusive and very quick. Henry isn't as shifty or quick - he gave you a target to hit. The Niners backs don't and Shanahan runs the most interesting running attack in football right now. He's just got a damn nice scheme.
Moreover, if you sell-out to clog rushing lanes, Samuel's emergence as a deep threat along with Sanders as a stick mover and the dangerous Kittle mean that they can really hurt us if we give them an opening.
I figured the Chiefs had a real nice path to double digit wins against both Houston and TN, but this 49ers team is a different critter.
The Chiefs can obviously win the game, but they need to play the best game (ALL 60 minutes) that they've played all season. None of these brutal 3rd down drops. None of the coverage breakdowns and none of the stupid penalties.
They have to play incredibly well. Their previous 2 opponents simply weren't at their level talent-wise. They could give a B- effort and beat two overmatched teams. The 49ers ain't overmatched. Not on paper and not in the coaching staff.
This is gonna be a dogfight and if the Chiefs come out flat, they'll lose it. They have to come out sharper than they've come out in the last 2 games.
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This to a T. Those first quarter sputters that put us behind early in both of our playoff games could sink us in a game like this. We have to bring 4 quarters of A game play on offense, defense, and special teams.