49ers vs. Chiefs: 5 matchups San Francisco must win in Week 7
By Peter Panacy
49ers vs. Chiefs matchup No. 2: Niners O-line stopping Chris Jones
Going back to Super Bowl LIV, one could make the argument for Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones that he should have been the game’s MVP and not Patrick Mahomes.
After all, Jones’ pocket-wrecking prowess and swatting down passes at the line of scrimmage were vital to KC’s victory in that otherwise dreadful outcome.
Kansas City experimented with moving Jones to the outside a bit last season, but his true prowess is on the interior where even a fully healthy 49ers offensive line has its biggest question marks. If there is a bonus here, second-year left guard Aaron Banks has yet to allow a sack on the season, yet rookie right guard Spencer Burford is certainly going to have his hands full with Jones. Same with center Jake Brendel.
Read More: 49ers vs. Chiefs: Week 7 betting odds, game prediction
What’ll matter most here is for the Niners to keep quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo upright, as well as the need to prevent Jones from blowing up run plays before San Francisco’s rushers get to the line of scrimmage.
Considering Jones is one of those defenders who can essentially take over a game, winning this matchup in the trenches will go a long way toward ensuring the 49ers contend for a victory.