3 reasons why 49ers present problems for Chiefs in Super Bowl 54

No. 1: 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo wasn’t used much in the NFC Championship Game. That could bode well for the Niners’ offensive plays in Super Bowl LIV.

6 of 8. 77 yards. Zero touchdowns. Zero interceptions.

If you were to just take a glance at this stat line and not think about the time of year, you’d probably think the 49ers just played a preseason game and Garoppolo was used for a couple of series.

Alas it was just last week, in the biggest game of Garoppolo’s young career. There’s a lot of criticism when it comes to Jimmy G and his passing game. Let’s be real here: there shouldn’t be. He does what’s asked of him. He does it fairly well.

Much of the season head coach Kyle Shanahan has opted to play on his teams strength, which is obviously the run. But when Shanahan had to divert to the arm of Garoppolo, they’re practically unbeatable.

With the amount of disrespect on Garoppolo’s arm and with the Chiefs more than likely focusing on how to stop the run, it’s a prime set up for Jimmy G to have one of his best games of the season. Let’s not forget, he was in the New England Patriots system and soaked up two Super Bowl experiences. Though he didn’t play, the experience of even just being there is huge.

Garoppolo is what they call a “gun-slinger.” He’s not afraid to chuck the ball down field and risk an interception. The interception stat line doesn’t tell the whole story for Garoppolo. At least half of his picks came off of tips, so it’s tough to say he throws true picks.

A prime example of how Super Bowl LIV might play out, is the 49ers match-up against the New Orleans Saints. It could possibly be one of the top games of the 2019 season. Garoppolo threw for 349 yards and four touchdowns. Here’s his touchdown pass to wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders:

https://twitter.com/49ers/status/1203747725252136960

It wasn’t the only long ball of the game, however. Garoppolo also threw a couple of deep passes on third and longs, which ultimately got the 49ers the win.

Jimmy G is a smart quarterback. He was back-up to one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time in Tom Brady. In 26 career starts, he’s 21-5.

The fact Shanahan used his run game for the past two weeks, could be a sign of great things to come for Garoppolo. Can Super Bowl LIV be the game Garoppolo shakes off the critiques and dominates in the air? Absolutely.

The 49ers will look to add a sixth ring to their collection next Sunday. It’ll come down to who can focus on the little details and the 49ers have the advantage.