Super Bowl LIV: 11 potential difference-makers on the 49ers
Jimmy Garoppolo of the 49ers throws a pass in the first half against the Packers during the NFC Championship Game at Levi's Stadium on Jan. 19 in Santa Clara, Calif. Credit: Getty Images/Harry How
No. 85 George Kittle, TE
George Kittle of the 49ers warms up prior to the NFC Championship Game against the Packers at Levi's Stadium on Jan. 19, in Santa Clara, Calif. Credit: Getty Images/Thearon W. Henderson
As he showed in the NFC Championship, Kittle doesn’t have to catch passes to have a huge impact on the result. Whether it’s his run-blocking or his yards after the catch on Sunday, Kittle will be a big part of the 49ers’ plans to control the ball and play keep-away from the Chiefs’ dynamic scoring offense.
Robert Saleh, Def. coordinator
49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh looks on during the NFC Divisional Round Playoff game against the Vikings at Levi's Stadium on Jan. 11 in Santa Clara, Calif. Credit: Getty Images/Lachlan Cunningham
He’s got lots of tools at his disposal and easily dispatched the Vikings and Packers in the playoffs. Figuring out how best to deploy those assets and mitigate the speed of the Chiefs’ offense will be a big challenge.
No. 97 Nick Bosa, DE
49ers defensive end Nick Bosa in action against the Green Bay Packers during the first half of the NFC Championship Game on Jan. 19 in Santa Clara, Calif. Credit: AP/Tony Avelar
The pressure he generates off the edge fuels the entire 49ers defense, but he’ll have to keep containment on Patrick Mahomes too. Chasing this QB is futile, and Bosa will have to land his shots, not just flush him from the pocket.
No. 99 DeForest Buckner, DT
49ers defensive tackle DeForest Buckner sacks Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins as 49ers defensive end Nick Bosa, left, moves in during the second half of an NFL divisional playoff game on Jan. 11 in Santa Clara, Calif. Credit: AP/Tony Avelar
A power player but also a ferocious pass-rusher who can take over a game up the middle.
No. 31 Raheem Mostert, RB
49ers running back Raheem Mostert runs against the Packers during the second half of the NFC Championship Game on Jan. 19 in Santa Clara, Calif. Credit: AP/Tony Avelar
The Super Bowl will likely be the first start of his NFL career. The rags-to-riches running back dominated the Packers two weeks ago with 220 rushing yards and four TDs.
No. 25 Richard Sherman, CB
49ers cornerback Richard Sherman intercepts a pass in front of Vikings wide receiver Adam Thielen during the second half of an NFL divisional playoff game on Jan. 11 in Santa Clara, Calif. Credit: AP/Tony Avelar
The 31-year-old is fully back from an Achilles injury that could have derailed his career and he has a knack for making big plays in big moments, including four postseason interceptions.
No. 10 Jimmy Garoppolo, QB
49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo throws a pass against the Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on Oct. 31 in Glendale, Ariz. Credit: Getty Images/Ralph Freso
Montana. Young. Garoppolo? The 49ers haven’t needed much production from him in the postseason, but if they do he’s no slouch.
Kyle Shanahan, Head coach
49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan looks on from the sidelines in the first half against the Packers during the NFC Championship Game at Levi's Stadium on Jan. 19 in Santa Clara, Calif. Credit: Getty Images/Ezra Shaw
He sets the tone for the entire organization with cool confidence that comes from a lifetime in the sport (his father Mike is a two-time super Bowl chap as a head coach).
No. 74 Joe Staley, left tackle
Joe Staley of the 49ers during the second half against the Vikings during the NFC Divisional Round Playoff game at Levi's Stadium on Jan. 11 in Santa Clara, Calif. Credit: Getty Images/Thearon W. Henderson
He’s dominated in the playoffs after missing time during the regular season with injuries.
No. 6 Mitch Wishnowsky, punter
Do. Not. Kick. To. Tyreek. Hill.
No. 20 Jimmie Ward, free safety
Jimmie Ward of the 49ers reacts after a play against the Vikings during the NFC Divisional Round Playoff game at Levi's Stadium on Jan. 11 in Santa Clara, Calif. Credit: Getty Images/Sean M. Haffey
The last line of defense. If he can keep all 11 Chiefs in front of him, the Niners have a shot.
Sarra Sounds Off, Ep. 15: LI's top basketball players On the latest episode of "Sarra Sounds Off," Newsday's Gregg Sarra and Matt Lindsay take a look top boys and girls basketball players on Long Island.
Sarra Sounds Off, Ep. 15: LI's top basketball players On the latest episode of "Sarra Sounds Off," Newsday's Gregg Sarra and Matt Lindsay take a look top boys and girls basketball players on Long Island.
