The Cardinals’ McBride thinks that the 49ers’ matchup with Kelce is a “nightmare.”
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One of the most intriguing matchups in Super Bowl LVIII at Allegiant Stadium this Sunday involves the 49ers’ defense facing off against Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce. Trey McBride, the Arizona Cardinals tight end, shared insights into the matchup, emphasizing Kelce’s exceptional playing ability during an interview with Matt Maiocco on Radio Row in Las Vegas.
McBride expressed anticipation for the game, acknowledging the challenge the 49ers will face in containing Kelce due to his remarkable skills. He highlighted Kelce’s ability to make plays even when not open, making it difficult for San Francisco to defend against him. McBride expressed excitement about the defensive strategies the 49ers might employ, speculating on coverages and potential double-coverage schemes to counter Kelce’s threat.
When asked about what Kelce can expect from the physical 49ers’ defense known for their aggressive style of play, McBride outlined a scenario where Kelce could face challenges like being hit off the line, pressed, or chipped by defensive ends. He anticipated Kelce experiencing physical disruptions, such as getting hit, rerouted, and encountering various defensive tactics.
Kelce’s strong connection with quarterback Patrick Mahomes over the past six seasons has posed problems for opposing defenses, especially considering the Chiefs’ struggles with dropped passes and inconsistent performance from their other receivers. Despite the 49ers countering with physical linebackers Dre Greenlaw and Fred Warner, McBride acknowledged that San Francisco’s defense has shown vulnerability in recent playoff games against teams like the Green Bay Packers and Detroit Lions.
As the Mahomes-Kelce duo remains a potent threat, the 49ers cannot afford another subpar performance, aiming to overcome their recent Super Bowl struggles and secure their first Vince Lombardi Trophy since 1995.
