Super Bowl week is finally upon us.
We have one of the best matchups in recent history on our hands … And what would be a great matchup without a little trash talk???
During a recent media session, San Francisco 49ers All-Pro defensive end Nick Bosa didn’t hold back when sharing his thoughts on Kansas City’s offensive tackles Donovan Smith and Jawaan Taylor…
“They hold a lot,” Bosa snapped.
Let the trash talk begin 😈 pic.twitter.com/EJKdDM7hHh
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) February 1, 2024
The reference to Taylor being the NFL leader in penalties this season didn’t escape Bosa’s notice. Taylor topped the league with 19 penalties during the regular season, seven of which were for holding, and nine for false starts.
Smith, on the other hand, committed six penalties, five of them for holding.
Collectively, Chiefs offensive linemen racked up 37 penalties throughout the season.
The Chiefs offensive line will have their hands full come Sunday, especially with All-Pro guard Joe Thuney being injured and not expected to play. (However, would it shock you to see him out there? Of course not.)
Bosa, a four-time Pro Bowler, doesn’t seem fazed by the challenge ahead. In the regular season, he recorded 10.5 sacks, 53 combined tackles, and forced two fumbles.
His impact was particularly evident in the NFC Championship Game, where he notched two sacks in the 49ers euphoric come-from-behind victory over the Detroit Lions.
Nick Bosa vs The Lions 💪🏼!
Bosa had a pretty big game against the Lions. He had two sacks, but also two seconds half pressures that forced some early throws from Goff that helped halt their drives 😳. #49ers #FTTB #Bosa #49ersvsLions pic.twitter.com/ORF84Xjgqq
— Chris – NFL Content (@chrissantosss_) February 2, 2024
Analyzing the upcoming battle, Kansas City’s offense boasts solid numbers, averaging 246.4 passing yards (sixth in the NFL), 104.9 rushing yards (19th), 351.3 total yards (ninth), and 21.8 points (16th) per game.
On the flip side, San Francisco’s defense has been a force to be reckoned with, allowing just 214.2 passing yards (14th), 89.7 rushing yards (third), 303.9 total yards (eighth), and 17.5 points (third) per game.
Having said that, they haven’t played up to their typical standard for the past month-plus, and they’d be the first to tell you that.
They’re going to have to regain their old form if they hope to slow down Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs attack.
That’s the thing…
When you are the 2nd overall pick you have IMMENSE pressure to be other worldly & perform as such.
When you’re a 7th round pick, there’s zero expectation & hope that you can just be a good depth piece, so when you finally get your moment, you can shock everyone— Patrick (@patrickwrye) February 1, 2024
The 26-year-old Bosa, who was a rookie when the 49ers suffered a heart-breaking loss to the Chiefs in Super Bowl LIV, is eager for redemption.
This marks San Francisco’s return to the Super Bowl for the first time since that painful defeat, while Kansas City is making their fourth Super Bowl appearance in five seasons.
niners ❤️ Forever 🔥🔥https://t.co/ypcVZB2Edl
— Britss (@sexynehax) February 1, 2024
What’s your prediction for the game?
Who will win – San Francisco or Kansas City?
What are your thoughts on what Bosa said? … Do you take it as trash talk or just plain honesty?
How big of an impact will he have on Sunday???