After a rollercoaster of a season, the Kansas City Chiefs are set to face off against the San Francisco 49ers in the Super Bowl. Both teams returned to practice and spoke to the media on Thursday, February 1. Niners star Nick Bosa was asked about Chiefs tackles Donovan Smith and Jawaan Taylor’s penalties this season, to which he responded, “They hold a lot.” Bosa’s comment caused quite a stir on social media, with some agreeing with him and others acknowledging that he was not wrong. Even former Chiefs All-Pro lineman Mitchell Schwartz weighed in, stating that Bosa’s comments were accurate.
Jawaan Taylor, who signed a four-year $80 million contract with the Chiefs last year, finished the regular season as the most penalized offensive lineman in the league. In 17 games, he was penalized 7 times for holding and 9 false starts. Taylor had 5 more penalties than Jets’ Mekhi Bekton and Ravens’ Ronnie Stanley, who tied for second place with 12 penalties. Similarly, Donovan Smith was the second most-penalized offensive lineman last season while playing for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. This year, he received 6 total penalties, 5 for holding, and 1 false start in 12 games.
The Chiefs and 49ers are no strangers to each other. Four years ago, the Chiefs defeated the Niners 31-20 following the 2019 NFL season, which was Bosa’s rookie year. After a remarkable comeback against the Detroit Lions in the NFC Championship game, Bosa is excited for the rematch. He acknowledges that shutting down Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs won’t be easy, but he sees it as a big challenge and is ready to face it.
Buckle up, football fans. The Super Bowl matchup between the Chiefs and the 49ers is sure to be an intense battle on the field.
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Heading into the Super Bowl in Las Vegas, the Chiefs are considered 2-point underdogs. However, Mahomes and the Chiefs have proved that they thrive when doubted. Kansas City were 2.5-point underdogs against the Buffalo Bills in the Divisional round and won 27-14.
Against the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC Championship game, they were 4.5-point underdogs and won 17-10. At this point, it’s just a bad idea to bet against the Chiefs.
Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Mahomes said their underdog status helped fuel the team in the postseason. “We just haven’t had that aspect,” Mahomes admitted as the Chiefs prepare to play in their fourth Super Bowl in five years. Kansas City can be the first team since the 2003-2004 New England Patriots to win back-to-back Super Bowls.
“I think it kinda lit a fire under some guys. Including myself. But at the end of the day, it’s playoff games. You want to win. Regardless if we were an underdog or not, that fire would’ve been lit because this is the time of year you work for… we’re going to maximize the opportunity every time we’re out there.”
Emily Bicks covers the NFL for a sports tabloid.
