San Francisco 49ers (3-4) – Kansas City Chiefs (6-0): 18-28
Replay of the Super Bowl this Sunday evening between the 49ers and the Chiefs. On the San Francisco field, the tension is palpable, but the poster is missing many injured stars (Christian McCaffrey, Jauan Jennings, Rashee Rice).
In a very competitive match defensively, the Niners once again lost to their pet peeve, the fault of Brock Purdy being too careless with the ball, and Mahomes being decisive when necessary.
The ball loss circus
Throughout the match, the confrontation is resolutely defensive. On the first six offensives of the game: A fourth unconverted attempt, two interceptions and three punts. Without their star receivers, the two quarterbacks are in trouble. Brock Purdy also loses Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk in quick succession, leaving only George Kittle (6 receptions, 92 yards) as the starter in this attack.
The Niners are trying to put Jordan Mason on track, but the Kansas City defense is particularly effective: 14 races, 58 yards.
Patrick Mahomes is also not in his right mind: 16/27, 154 yards, 2 interceptions, 5 races, 39 yards, 1 touchdown on the ground. On several occasions, he did not find his receivers, like a long imprecise pass to Xavier Worthy who was still unmarked. As proof, KC's most prolific receiver is tight end Noah Gray (4 receptions, 66 yards). Unlike their opponents, the Chiefs can, however, rely on a more efficient ground game, like Kareem Hunt: 22 races, 78 yards, 2 touchdowns.
Patrick Mahomes, X Factor
At halftime, Kansas City leads 2 touchdowns against 2 field goals: 14-6. The Niners briefly managed to come back in the third quarter on a touchdown from Brock Purdy (17/31, 212 yards, 3 interceptions, 8 races, 27 yards, 2 touchdowns on the ground).
The Chiefs then do what they do best: collectively raise their level of play so as not to leave the opponent any hope. In quick succession, Steve Spagnuolo's superb defense intercepts Brock Purdy. With the balls recovered, Mahomes does Mahomes and will score two new touchdowns. The Chiefs are out of reach, and the last anecdotal touchdown from San Francisco will not change anything, curtain.
Californians return to negative balance. A bad deal with the victory of the Seahawks and the Rams, but there is no danger (yet) in the house. The Chiefs remain undefeated.
