11 February 2024 , 08:00
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The San Francisco 49ers are gearing up for a battle to beat the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LVIII. While most eyes will be on big names like Patrick Mahomes, Christian McCaffrey, Travis Kelce and Brock Purdy, there's another crucial fight happening.
This less flashy but equally important battle is taking place in the trenches, with the outcome of the game hanging in the balance. The 49ers have a formidable defensive line led by Nick Bosa, while the Chiefs boast their own powerhouse in Chris Jones.
The 49ers' offensive line has the tough task of slowing down Jones, which head coach Kyle Shanahan says is as crucial as stopping Kelce. Speaking at his final press conference before the game, Shanahan emphasised the importance of this under-the-radar clash.
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After Shanahan's comments, the entire 49ers team faced the media, ready for a fierce showdown in the trenches. Javon Hargrave described it as a pure "talent on talent" battle. Hargrave, who lost to the Chiefs in last year's Super Bowl with the Philadelphia Eagles, said: "It's crazy."
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"When you make it to these types of games, it's going to be good vs good. It's more so technique and little things that's going to win you these games. We just know we're going to need everyone this game."
Jake Brendel, the starting centre for the 49ers, told Mirror US Sports: "They're a really good group up front. We've got to make sure we're on our A-game going into Sunday, because Chris Jones is a legit player. He's definitely earned all the individual accolades that he's received."
"We just gotta have a plan for him, a plan for the guys up front, and just make sure we're efficient on first and second downs so we can stay out of those third-and-longs."
Chris Jones is the leader of the Kansas City Chiefs defense (Getty Images)Aaron Banks, the guard next to him, said: "I'm excited. I think it's going to be a good matchup, I think it'll be a fun one, and I can't wait."
On the other side, the 49ers defence will face a Chiefs offensive line known for its strength, but with a big injury worry. Starting guard Joe Thuney is set to miss out, with Nick Allegretti expected to start.
Former NFL offensive lineman Geoff Schwartz is confident that the Chiefs will cope, despite their recent setback. He told Mirror US Sports on Radio Row: "Look, Allegretti has played a lot of football for them," and "He's won two Super Bowls, he's played a Super Bowl before. I think he's a better than average backup, so I think they'll be alright in the end."
The 49ers defence, however, is packed with talent. With star player Nick Bosa and others like Hargrave, Chase Young, Arik Armstead and Javon Kinlaw, their defensive line is one to be wary of.
Schwartz believes the Chiefs will need some help. He said: "Their offensive line, because the 49ers defensive line, especially Bosa, can get after them a little bit, it depends how the Chiefs handle that."
Chiefs guard Joe Thuney is out of the big game due to injury (Getty Images)The 49ers are ready to play their part. They're confident that someone will step up to make big plays, no matter where the Chiefs focus their attention.
Hargrave said: "We just know we're going to need everyone this game," while Bosa added: "At this point in the season, if they're going to double team one guy, we've got some other guys elsewhere. It doesn't matter who eats as long as somebody is eating."
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The 49ers are confident that their defensive line can cause trouble for the opposition, while their offensive line aims to protect Brock Purdy and create opportunities for McCaffrey. However, the Chiefs will surely have different plans - and the team that dominates this battle will play a key role in deciding the final result.