2024 Super Bowl: Five under-the-radar players on Chiefs who could make a difference vs. 49ers

The Kansas City Chiefs are back on the big stage once again, and looking to become the first repeat Super Bowl champion since the 2003-04 New England Patriots. There was a lot of talk about the lack of explosive plays in Kansas City’s offense and if Patrick Mahomes could win on the road in the playoffs, but here we are again. The Chiefs are in the Super Bowl. 

You’re familiar with Kansas City’s stars, such as Mahomes, Travis Kelce, Chris Jones and the emerging Rashee Rice and George Karlaftis. But are there other Chiefs players who could decide what happens on Feb. 11? Below we will break down five under-the-radar players who could make the difference vs. the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl LVIII. 

Bolton is a cerebral linebacker who predicted the fake punt in the divisional round against the Buffalo Bills, and noticeably called out a screen vs. the Baltimore Ravens. A wrist injury cost him several games in 2023, but Bolton’s 352 tackles since entering the league lead the Chiefs. The 180 combined tackles he recorded last season set a Chiefs franchise record.

Bolton is not only responsible for calling the shots on defense, but patrolling that all-important second level as well. His linebacking unit can’t allow Christian McCaffrey to break loose into the third level, and they have to account for George Kittle and limit his YAC as well. Keep in mind that Bolton had a monster Super Bowl last year, as he recorded nine combined tackles and a fumble recovery he took back for a 36-yard touchdown.

Kansas City’s right tackle will be in charge of containing Nick Bosa. Neutralizing one of the most feared pass rushers in the league is a key to victory, but so is playing disciplined football. Taylor led the league with 20 accepted penalties in 2023. Lining up correctly, not holding and not jumping early is important for every offensive lineman in any game, but especially in the biggest game of the…

Source link : https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/2024-super-bowl-five-under-the-radar-players-on-chiefs-who-could-make-a-difference-vs-49ers/

Author : Jordan Dajani

Publish date : 2024-02-01 13:06:17

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