A Super Bowl LIV Guide for Beginners: San Francisco 49ers

Want to sound smart at your Super Bowl LIV party, even if you aren’t a football fan? The following series is for you! We take a look at the San Francisco 49ers.

Here at The Jet Press, we understand that there are many different kinds of football viewers. There are fans who live and die by their team, watching every game.

On the other hand, there are teams who only watch their favorite team in the most important games. And then finally, there are the casual fans who only tune in to watch the Super Bowl.

Even if you don’t watch football very often, you can still impress everyone at your Super Bowl party. Over the next couple of days, we will be providing a brief overview of this year’s Super Bowl matchup.

Today we continue our series with a breakdown of the San Francisco 49ers.

San Francisco 49ers
Regular Season Record: 13-3
Divisional Round: 27-10 win over Minnesota Vikings
Conference Championship: 37-20 win over Green Bay Packers

Key Strength:

The 49ers are one of the most balanced teams in the league. They are prolific offensively (fourth in total yards), particularly when it comes to running the ball (second in rushing yards).

While not quite as effective, their passing offense (13th in passing yards) is competent and nicely compliments their ground game.

San Francisco also has a powerful, star-studded defense (eighth in points allowed) that is particularly effective against the pass (first in passing yards allowed). The 49ers can play coverage and get to the quarterback, two skills that are essential for defenses to thrive in the modern NFL.

Whether they are running the ball down the opponent’s throat or playing fierce defense, the 49ers can win in a number of different ways.

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Key Weakness:

49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo has generally been effective in his assigned role. However, his team also hasn’t asked for particularly much from him.

Through 18 games this season, Garoppolo has only eclipsed 300 passing yards on three occasions. In the postseason, his role has been reduced to a game manager.

In two playoff games, Garoppolo has combined for a meager 208 passing yards with one touchdown and one interception.

When San Francisco runs the ball effectively and plays shutdown defense, they are able to win with Garoppolo. However, if the 49ers find themselves trailing and needing to pass the ball to win, Garoppolo may not be up for the task.

Key Players to Know:

Nick Bosa

San Francisco selected defensive end Nick Bosa with the second overall pick in last year’s draft, an honor he has more than lived up to in his rookie season.

Bosa has quickly become a human wrecking ball, leading the team in quarterback hits (25), tackles for loss (16), and finishing second in sacks (9).

If anyone has the ability to make superstar Chiefs’ quarterback Patrick Mahomes look flustered, it might be Bosa.

Richard Sherman

Despite his age and injury history, 49ers cornerback Richard Sherman remains one of the premier defensive backs in the league.

Sherman led the team with three interceptions and continues to pose a challenge to any wide receiver unfortunate enough to line up against him.

Considering the Chiefs have many star pass catchers, the 49ers will need Sherman to be in peak form for Super Bowl LIV.

George Kittle

George Kittle has quickly emerged as one of the best tight ends in the league.

The 49ers pass-catcher has amassed 5 touchdowns and over 1,000 receiving yards in each of his past two seasons.

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Although he been quiet in the playoffs so far (four catches for 35 yards in two games), Kittle has the potential to singlehandedly change any game he plays in.

Jimmy Garoppolo

Between being Tom Brady‘s backup for years and suffering a torn ACL last year, Jimmy Garoppolo has faced plenty of obstacles throughout his career.

This past year was Garoppolo’s sixth season in the NFL, and the first time he started in all 16 games in a season. Garoppolo finally broke out and realized his potential, throwing for 27 touchdowns against only 13 interceptions.

Although he is still relatively unproven and has not reached elite status, Garoppolo has emerged as a capable quarterback and leader for the 49ers.

Next. A Super Bowl LIV Guide for Beginners: Kansas City Chiefs

Summary:

The 49ers may not be the most exciting team, but they are the most balanced. With a crushing defense and a methodical rush-oriented offense, they can grind out wins better than any other team in the league.

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