Five Super Bowl LIV storylines
Kansas City Chiefs' Travis Kelce celebrates after the AFC Championship Game against the Tennessee Titans Sunday, Jan. 19, 2020, in Kansas City, Mo. Credit: AP/Ed Zurga
Can the 49ers slow down Patrick Mahomes?
The most impressive part of the Chiefs’ offense in the postseason has not been the number of points but the breakneck speed at which they are scored. The 49ers have a great defense with strength up front and skill on the back end, but will it be enough to keep Mahomes and Co. from running away with the game?
Kansas City Chiefs' Patrick Mahomes reacts after throwing a touchdown pass to Tyreek Hill during the first half of the NFL AFC Championship football game against the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, Jan. 19, 2020. Credit: AP/Charlie Neibergall
Which coach will overcome his past Super Bowl flop?
Both Andy Reid and Kyle Shanahan have Super Bowls they’d rather forget. For Reid, it was mismanaging the clock for the Eagles in the fourth quarter of a 24-21 loss to the Patriots in Super Bowl XXXIX. For Shanahan, it was his play-calling as offensive coordinator that helped the Patriots come back from a 28-3 deficit against the Falcons in Super Bowl LI. One of them will walk away with a ring, the other with another Super Bowl loss.
Chiefs head coach Andy Reid reacts against the Houston Texans during the second quarter in the AFC Divisional playoff game at Arrowhead Stadium on January 12, 2020. Credit: Getty Images/Jamie Squire
Is Jimmy Garoppolo legit?
The 49ers quarterback has a staggering 23-5 record as a starter, including 2-0 in this year's playoffs and 2-0 in the regular season with the Patriots in 2016. But there are many who still wonder if he has the ability to lead a team to a Lombardi Trophy. His eight pass attempts in the NFC Championship did little to diminish the idea that he is simply along for the ride with this run-first team, but a strong performance in the Super Bowl will catapult him in class.
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo passes against the Green Bay Packers during the first half of an NFL game in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Nov. 24, 2019. Credit: AP/Ben Margot
Who is the game’s best tight end?
George Kittle and Travis Kelce are the top two tight ends in the NFL, and each led his team in receiving yards this season. Both are strong blockers and route-runners, but Kittle probably has an advantage at the line of scrimmage while Kelce is better finding open spaces in the secondary. The truth is that each is a perfect fit for the offense of his team and whichever team wins the Super Bowl will likely owe a lot to its tight end.
George Kittle's pass-catching and run-blocking could be the difference for the 49ers in a close one with the Saints. Credit: AP/Julio Cortez
Will Dee Ford find redemption?
A year ago, Dee Ford’s jump offside negated a late Tom Brady interception and allowed the Patriots to beat the Chiefs in the AFC Championship. This year, he’s looking to end the season for the Chiefs once again . . . only now it’s on purpose, The defensive end was traded from Kansas City to the 49ers where he became part of a dominant front.
San Francisco 49ers defensive end Dee Ford in action during the first half of the NFC Championship Game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Jan. 19, 2020, in Santa Clara, Calif. Credit: AP/Tony Avelar
Tom Rock began covering sports for Newsday in 1996 and became its NFL columnist in 2022. He previously was Newsday's Giants beat writer beginning in 2008.
'It happened right in your own backyard' NewsdayTV looks back at Long Island's pivotal role in the American Revolution, as well as how LIers are celebrating this year's holiday. NewsdayTV's Doug Geed and Elisa DiStefano are your hosts for this American adventure.
'It happened right in your own backyard' NewsdayTV looks back at Long Island's pivotal role in the American Revolution, as well as how LIers are celebrating this year's holiday. NewsdayTV's Doug Geed and Elisa DiStefano are your hosts for this American adventure.
