San Francisco 49ers: Keys to beating the Chiefs in week three matchup

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SANTA CLARA, CA – SEPTEMBER 16: Marvin Jones #11 of the Detroit Lions catches a touchdown pass over Ahkello Witherspoon #23 of the San Francisco 49ers during the fourth quarter of their NFL football game at Levi’s Stadium on September 16, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. The 49ers won the game 30-27. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

Secondary Must Step Up

In case you’ve been living in a cave, have been out of the country, or were temporarily assigned to the International Space Station, the Chiefs seem to have a good one in quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Through the first two weeks of the season, he’s been scary good.

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Through the first two games of the season, Mahomes has lit up both the Chargers and Pittsburgh, to the tune of 582 yards, on a 69 percent completion rate, and has tossed 10 touchdowns – and zero interceptions. Mahomes’ QB rating through the first two games is an eye-popping 143.3.

Now, the law of averages says the NFL will catch up with the rookie. As teams get more tape on him, they’ll be able to better defend against him. He’s going to have some bad games in his future, there is no doubt. And this white-hot start he’s rolling along on, just doesn’t seem sustainable for the entire season.

But, if the Niners are to put the first dent in his shiny armor, somebody is going to need to step up in a big way.

It stands to reason that Mahomes is going to do his best to ignore Richard Sherman‘s side of the field – because he’s Richards Sherman – and because both Kirk Cousins and Matthew Stafford found it far easier to take advantage of Sherman’s defensive backfield mate, Ahkello Witherspoon.

In last week’s game alone, Witherspoon gave up 99 yards on eight receptions, and two touchdowns.

There’s some question at the moment, about whether or not Shanahan and DC Robert Saleh are even going to trot him out there against Kansas City’s blistering aerial attack. But with safety Jacquiski Tartt already ruled out, the 49ers are going to need bodies out there.

More importantly, they’re going to need bodies who can cover the likes of Tyreek Hill, Travis Kelce, and Sammy Watkins. More importantly, they’re going to need bodies who can step up, make a play, and slow down the runaway train that is Kansas City’s offense.

It’s a case of pick your poison, but it’s critical that somebody step up and make a play.