The Super Bowl LV stage is set. The ageless wonder Tom Brady will be under center for the Tampa Buccaneers, hoping to dethrone Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs.
Kansas City is looking to repeat as Super Bowl champions, the first repeat effort since Brady’s New England Patriots did it back in 2005.
Today, let’s take a look at four keys for the Chiefs to win Super Bowl LV.
Next Man Up: Offensive Line
One of the underrated storylines going into Super Bowl LV is the loss of Pro Bowl left tackle Eric Fisher, who tore his Achilles in the AFC Championship Game.
Protecting Patrick Mahomes’ blindside is no easy job, and against a fierce Buccaneer pass rush (fourth in the NFL in sacks), it’s time for the next man up.
The Chiefs adjusted to Fisher’s injury by moving Mike Remmers from the right tackle position to the left, moving right guard Andrew Wylie to right tackle, and plugging in Stefen Wisniewski at right guard.
Kansas City has two weeks to figure out what rotation works best for them. The game starts in the trenches, so it’s critical the Chiefs get solid play from their offensive line.
Get Travis Kelce Going
Travis Kelce is the best tight end in football and leads the loaded Chiefs offense in targets. Kelce had a monster game against the Bills, hauling in 13 catches for 118 yards and two touchdowns.
While Tampa’s defense is one of the league’s best, they have shown a slight proclivity to tight end production, allowing an average of 52 yards per game to tight ends.
Mahomes will look for Kelce early and often, and if the star pass-catcher can get open downfield, it opens everything else up for this aerial attack.
Slow Down Bucs with Pass Rush and Strong Secondary Play
On the defensive side of the ball, the Chiefs secondary needs to step up against the bevy of Tampa Bay pass-catching weapons. Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, Antonio Brown, Scotty Miller, Cameron Brate, and Rob Gronkowski are as notable and decorated of a group as you’re going to get in the NFL.
Brady had a remarkable year because of the weapons at his disposal. The Chiefs did a great job disrupting Josh Allen in the AFC Championship Game. The pressure from the interior defensive line made life easier on the secondary.
The secondary was able to stifle the NFL’s leading receiver Stefon Diggs, holding him to 77 yards, his lowest output since Week 12. A similar effort will be needed against this Buccaneers offense.
Stick With What’s Worked
The most important key is a simple one. The Chiefs are 16-2 this year and the defending Super Bowl champions. Andy Reid has continuously dialed up creative and aggressive plays to get the ball in the hands of his playmakers and keep his offense on the field.
The Chiefs have been the best team in the NFL the last two years, and if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. If Reid can stick to his plan, the Chiefs should be able to rise above with their explosive offense.
.svg)
