Championship Weekend Recap
Championship Weekend Recap
Last weekend, the top two teams in the AFC and NFC squared off with a trip to the Super Bowl at stake. Let’s look at how the games played out and how the matchup looks for the Super Bowl.
Chiefs Contain Henry and Punch Their Ticket to Miami.
Up to this point in the postseason, Derrick Henry has been a man amongst boys, totaling 377 rushing yards in the first two rounds. The key to this game was stopping Derrick Henry, and that is exactly what they did, holding him to only 69 rushing yards. As a result, the Chiefs were able to pull away late to secure a 35-24 victory over Tennessee.
Early on, the Titans were in control, going up 17-7, but like the Divisional Round, Kansas City came roaring back, scoring fast and often. Right before halftime, Kansas City went up 21-17 thanks to a dazzling 27-yard rushing touchdown from quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who did everything and then some to win this game. To put the dagger in this game, Mahomes connected with wide receiver Sammy Watkins for a long 60-yard touchdown to put them up 35-17. The former MVP led the Kansas City offense in passing and rushing, finishing with a final stat line of 23/35 for 294 yards, 3 TD, and a 120.4 passer rating. To add to that, Mahomes led the rushing attack with 53 rushing yards and a touchdown. Damien Williams chipped in 45 rushing yards and a score to support Mahomes’ rushing attack. As for the lethal air raid, Sammy Watkins led the way with 7 catches for 114 yards and a touchdown. Tyreek Hill also scored twice.
Tyrann Mathieu led the defense with nine total tackles. Tanoh Kpassagnon and Frank Clark combined for three sacks and were big reasons why Derrick Henry was contained in this game. In a losing effort, Ryan Tannehill threw for 209 yards and 2 touchdowns with no picks, but the Chiefs offense had too much firepower to contain.
Niners Commit to Run Game, Dominate Green Bay.
If Jimmy Garoppolo didn’t show up to this game, it wouldn’t have mattered. Throwing only eight times for 77 yards, the San Francisco 49ers solely committed to the running game, and it worked wonders, coming out on top 37-20, sending the Green Bay Packers home. San Fran basically controlled the game from wire to wire. By halftime, the score was 27-0, but the biggest swing in this game was when it was 17-0. Green Bay was driving down the field when Aaron Rodgers fumbled the ball back to San Fran, giving the Niners momentum for good. This was one of Rodgers three turnovers on the night. Green Bay made a mini-comeback at the end, but there was no chance they were catching San Francisco, who led 34-7 at one point in this game.
The story of this game was the running game for the Niners, which was led by Raheem Mostert, who had the game of his life. Mostert became the bell cow of the committee of running backs, carrying the ball 29 times for a whopping 220 yards and four touchdowns. Mostert was running through gaping holes all night, gaining big chunks of yards on almost every run. The leading receiver for San Francisco was Deebo Samuel. Samuel finished the game with only two catches for 46 yards, but it did not matter because of the way they were able to run the ball.
Like they’ve done all year, the San Francisco 49ers defense completely took over this game, allowing only 62 rushing yards and 296 passing yards with most of those coming in garbage time. Captain Richard Sherman had an interception, as did Emmanuel Moseley. Jaquiski Tartt led the way with 8 tackles. Nick Bosa, K’Waun Williams, and Arik Armstead all chipped in a sack in the dominant effort.
In the loss, Davante Adams led the receiving attack with 9 catches for 138 yards with Jimmy Graham chipping in 59. Running back Aaron Jones also chipped in 83 total yards and a touchdown in the loss.
Super Bowl Matchup
With the stage set, it should be interesting to see how it plays out. The 49ers, who will run the ball until you can’t stop it, will go against the elite passing attack from Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs. In order for Kansas City to win this game, they have to make Jimmy Garoppolo beat them. If the Niners get their running game going, it is going to be a long day for the Kansas City defense. As for the Niners, the key to this game will be to score early, often, and not fall behind. Kansas City has proven they can throw the ball up and down the field against any defense to come back when they’re behind. However, if San Francisco falls behind, it is going to be tough to come back or keep up with Kansas City on the ground, which goes back to my point of putting the game in Jimmy G’s hands. This is going to be a fun matchup with two of the most promising and young teams competing for a Lombardi Trophy.
-By: Richie Dordas
Writer