Chiefs’ improved defense preparing for 49ers’ ‘dynamic run game’ in Super Bowl LIV
The Kansas City Chiefs’ path to Super Bowl LIV went through one of the NFL’s elite ground attacks, anchored by elite Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry.
Now, the Chiefs’ quest for a league championship means dealing with the San Francisco 49ers’ potent backfield of Tevin Coleman, Raheem Mostert and Matt Breida.
Each Niners running back brings a unique skill-set to the field, so this matchup presents yet another challenge to Kansas City’s defense.
“They’ve got a dynamic run game,” Chiefs safety Tyrann Mathieu said. “They motion a lot, a lot of window dressing, so it kind of messes with your eyes, especially the guys that play a lot at the end of the line of scrimmage.
“So, outside (line)backers, defensive ends and safeties that come down in run support, they do a lot of stuff to fool with your eyes and get certain leverages on you. And they’ve got running backs that if they get a hole, they hit it and they’re gone.”
The 5-foot-10, 197-pound Mostert’s 772 rushing yards in 2019 paced a 49ers ground attack that ranked second in the league during the regular season at 144.1 yards per game. Mostert, Breida (623) and Coleman (544) each ran for 500-plus yards and the trio combined for 15 of the 49ers’ 23 rushing scores.
San Francisco’s commitment to the running game continued during the postseason, as the team totaled 471 yards and six touchdowns on 89 carries, averaging 5.2 yards per attempt.
“Their backs have different attributes that makes them dangerous,” Chiefs defensive tackle Mike Pennel said. “We’ll have a game plan for them.”
The 6-foot-1, 210-pound Coleman’s 105 yards and two touchdowns on 22 carries contributed to San Francisco’s 186 total yards on the ground in a 27-10 win over the Minnesota Vikings in the NFC Divisional Round.
With Coleman suffering a dislocated shoulder in the NFC Championship Game, Mostert picked up the slack with 220 yards and four touchdowns on 29 carries during a dominating 37-20 win over the Green Bay Packers in the NFC Championship Game.
Niners head coach Kyle Shanahan on Monday sounded optimistic about Coleman’s availability for the Super Bowl, so the Chiefs are on track to face a fully intact backfield.
“I expect him to have a chance to play,” Shanahan told reporters. “Can’t hold me to that. We’ll find out more after the imaging, but expect him to have a good chance to play.”
Given the results of last weekend’s game against Henry, who was limited to 69 yards rushing after averaging 188.5 yards in the Titans’ previous two playoff games, it’s a good thing the Chiefs have already been down this road.
The Chiefs successfully used a swarming defensive mindset against Henry. Players were cognizant of maintaining their gap or edge discipline depending on assignments.
While there are contrasting styles between Henry and the 49ers’ backfield, the Chiefs’ defense is taking the same approach in preparing for Mostert, Coleman and Brieda.
“Obviously, the difference is Derrick Henry is more a traditional power back,” Chiefs defensive lineman Demone Harris said. “These guys are speed backs, but it’s the same thing as far as discipline.
“You’ve got to be disciplined in your run gaps, be square at the line of scrimmage, make your plays, don’t allow cutback lanes, because they hit it faster than Derrick Henry.”
Mathieu agreed.
“If we give these guys certain creases or cutback lanes — all three of them are low 4.4s, low 4.3s (40-yard dash times) — they’re going to hit their heads in the goal post,” Mathieu said. “So, it’s going to be important once again for the secondary to get involved in the run game and kind of ID certain formations, and really just to get to the ball. Effort, effort, effort.”
The Chiefs have several days left to game-plan for the 49ers’ ground attack before flying Sunday to Miami, a week ahead of Super Bowl LIV.
While the Chiefs’ defensive players embrace the next challenge of matching up against a dangerous trio of rushers, they won’t be overthinking it.
“I don’t think you approach it any differently,” safety Daniel Sorensen said. “Run defense is the same. Everyone in their gaps and assignment football.”
“They’re speed demons, but it kind of goes back to what I said last time: do you job and do it well,” defensive tackle Derrick Nnadi added.
