Super Bowl LIV: 5 reasons the 49ers can beat the Chiefs
By Chris Wilson
No. 2: 49ers Can Win a Strength vs. Strength Matchup with Patrick Mahomes
However it plays out, one of the key matchups to watch in Super Bowl LIV will be just how effective the San Francisco 49ers’ No. 1-ranked pass defense will handle Patrick Mahomes and a Chiefs offense that finished the year with the No. 5 pass offense in the league.
A Kansas City pass offense that averaged 7.5 yards per attempt—second-best in the regular season.
San Francisco, meanwhile, surrendered 4.8 yards per pass attempt, which was best in the NFL. A fully healthy defensive line will play a huge role in limiting Mahomes during the game, of course, and it would be beneficial for the Niners to find success rushing four players.
That would save the other seven to drop back in coverage against a dynamic quarterback and passing offense.
While suggesting the 49ers will shut down Mahomes entirely is practically irresponsible, it is possible to contain him with four-man pressure. According to Pro Football Focus, Mahomes’ passer rating drops to 95.1 when facing pressure, also with a 70.1 completion percentage.
Those are good numbers, yes. But without pressure, Mahomes’ passer rating and completion percentage are 113.4 and 79.8, respectively.
Simply put: If San Francisco wants to have a chance limiting the damage Mahomes will do, four-man pressure will be how it’s done.
Good thing the 49ers had an adjusted sack rate of 9.1 percent during the regular season, which was second-best in the league, according to Football Outsiders.