4 toughest defenses facing Brock Purdy and the 49ers in 2024
By Scott Conrad
No. 1: Kansas City Chiefs, a Super Bowl rematch
The chief' team from the AFC, the Kansas City Chiefs, also poses a major threat to San Francisco's plan to win a Super Bowl this season, let alone the two contender's head-to-head regular-season matchup.
KC produced the second-best defense, statistically, in 2023 when it allowed only 289.8 yards a contest. The Chiefs also only allowed 17.3 points a game, too, which was the second best in the NFL, and they had the fourth-best passing defense as they allowed less than 290 yards per game.
As demonstrated in the Super Bowl, star defensive tackle Chris Jones pressured Brock Purdy multiple times. The defensive tackle was able to disrupt numerous passing plays with Purdy having a touchdown in mind, and one can argue that was the key X-factor that led to the Niners' Super Bowl loss.
Jones had more than 10 sacks on the season in 2023. Cornerback Trent McDuffie, meanwhile, forced five fumbles, which placed him at a share of third overall in the league.
Whenever a Super Bowl opponent forces overtime, it is a threat to steal a win on the heels of the defense.
The Chiefs can snatch another victory from San Francisco solely on their defensive prowess.