Keep Travis Kelce and Tyreek Hill Limited

It’s no secret that the Chiefs best offensive weapons are tight end Travis Kelce and wide receiver Tyreek Hill. Defensive coordinator Robert Saleh is going to have his hands full with those two players alone. Each has received their fair share of connections with Patrick Mahomes so far. That’s because they are match up nightmares for defenses. In the case for the San Francisco 49ers, their defense needs to throw different looks at these two players.

When it comes to Hill, the 49ers should not put Richard Sherman on him. Though Sherman has shown that he’s still a stellar corner, his weakness his speedy receivers. It won’t matter if he’s playing off or press. Hill can expose Sherman for his lack of speed. Chiefs head coach Andy Reid will want to aim for that, so he’ll be in Mahomes ear on that mismatch. This is where Saleh has to get different corners on Hill. Give him different looks and bracket him to takeaway routes going across the field. It’s not just the secondary, but the entire defense needs to be on alert for Hill. Jet sweeps are in play if he goes in motion. The possibilities are endless with Hill. This defense cannot afford any mental slip ups or Mahomes is gonna have no problem lighting up the scoreboard with Hill.

To slow down Travis Kelce, the San Francisco 49ers have the perfect guy to do it now that he’s returned from suspension. Inside linebacker Reuben Foster is the key to checking Kelce. Foster is an underrated coverage linebacker. Having him trail Kelce for a good portion of the game will frustrate him. Foster should be able to handle that assignment since this will be his first game. Even though Foster can run with Kelce it won’t be sustainable all game. Having safety Adrien Colbert cover him 6-8 yards will be a look the Saleh will want to throw in.

However, the number one thing he needs to emphasize with his defense regarding Kelce is getting their hands on him. The outside linebackers or edge players have to blow Kelce up at the line. Jam the life out of him or at least get a good lick in to disrupt the timing of his routes. Kelce usually shy’s away the whole game when he’s being harassed at the line. If this defense can execute it, then Kelce will be a non-factor.

Next Page: No. 2