Here’s why the Chiefs’ Patrick Mahomes reviewed Lamar Jackson’s win against the 49ers
Very few quarterbacks had success against the 49ers defense.
They held five to 100 passing yards or fewer and allowed just two to throw for more than 300. Only three — Seattle’s Russell Wilson, Baltimore’s Lamar Jackson and Atlanta’s Matt Ryan — walked away with victories.
Those numbers would make most quarterback nervous. But Patrick Mahomes isn’t exactly most quarterbacks. In fact, the Chiefs signal caller belives Jackson’s play will be particularly useful when his team takes on the 49ers in Super Bowl 54.
“I know I can’t juke like Lamar or do stuff like that, but I feel like I can extend plays,” Mahomes said Wednesday, according to NBC Sports. “When I watch similar opponents, like I watch Lamar playing the 49ers and seeing how he could extend plays, I know that’s some stuff that I can take away. But I obviously can’t run with the same agility or speed that he can.”
That seems like a fair assessment considering Jackson only threw for 105 yards but added 101 on the ground against the Niners.
Having already channeled the likely MVP in the AFC Championship game, Mahomes using Jackson’s blueprint in the Super Bowl would only be right. The big game is being held less than 30 miles from the Ravens quarterback’s hometown after all.
With Ryan’s victory being the exception, Niners have somewhat struggled against mobile quarterbacks. Their losses to the Seahawks and Ravens attest to this. Close wins over Kyler Murray and the Cardinals are even further proof.
Mahomes might not have Jackson’s elusiveness but he sure looked nimble breaking tackles on his 27-yard touchdown run against the Tennessee Titans. Throw in his cannon of an arm and he could be San Francisco’s biggest test yet.
