THE TRANSATLANTIC MAGAZINE
THE TRANSATLANTIC MAGAZINE
You could be forgiven if you thought there was a large music residency about to happen in Las Vegas. Instead, this is just the illustrious backdrop to the most-watched sports event across the world. The Super Bowl.
Yes, it's that time of year again when the elite of American Football clash, when the days leading up to and including kick-off time are filled with events and celebrities that take over the usual reports of player practice, injury reports, and how the coaches will plot to win the big game.
Of course, this being the first time that the Super Bowl has landed in Vegas just adds to the color and drama, taking everything to a new stratosphere.
Taylor Swift has been a constant throughout most of this NFL season due to her romantic involvement with one of the league's top players, who just so happens to be playing in the game [leading to many ludicrous conspiracy theories – ed]. Travis Kelce, Tight End of the reigning champion Kansas City Chiefs, has become the envy of many and found a new spotlight shining in his direction since the romance was made public. This has generated a whole new audience for the game, and where some have grown bored of seeing Swift in the luxury boxes at games, the majority see this as nothing but a good thing.
Usher – and the game itself – may have been overlooked by many due to the TnT furore, but the R&B star is the headline act in the halftime show. The vast halftime production has been seen as Vegas-worthy in previous years – now it is in its natural home.
On with the real show though, and the Chiefs, the AFC champions/current Super Bowl holders, are looking to win consecutive trophies when they take on the NFC Champions, the San Francisco 49ers. The two teams met in Super Bowl 54 in 2020, which the Chiefs won 31-20 after scoring 21 points in the final quarter of the game.
This time round, the Chiefs won the AFC West division with an 11-6 record and had to go on the road in two of their three playoff games to reach the Super Bowl. The 49ers had an easier route. They were the number one seed after winning their NFC West crown, posting a 12-5 mark, and won both their home games to land a spot in the showpiece.
This year has seen the continuing emergence of Brock Purdy. The San Francisco quarterback doesn't generate many headlines off the field, and for the most part not on it, other than going about his business with ruthless efficiency. Even when he has encountered a spell of bad form, or a series or two with no real output, there is something about Purdy. He can put together a winning drive or throw a pass to a receiver with sublime accuracy. It is this that will stand him in good stead this weekend.
Like all great QBs he has a stellar cast around him. Just as much likely to beat you with a deep pass, the Niners will also run all day on defenses if you let them, a great balance which will keep the opposition coaches guessing. Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel will be Purdy's primary targets in the passing game, along with the enigmatic and hugely charismatic George Kittle. The long-maned tight end, Kittle will play with a smile, but that will be deceptive if he gets in a groove early. Perhaps the 49ers' biggest weapon, though, is running back Christian McCaffrey. CMC scores touchdowns for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Maybe even in his sleep too. A key to the big game will be stopping him, but that will be easier said than done, as so many have found out this season. The defense of the Niners is stacked too and they will want to prove that they deserve their moment in the Vegas lights. Led by Fred Warner, Nick Bosa and Chase Young, this is a fast and hard-hitting group. They have finesse and speed too and that will be needed in coverage. Charvarius Ward, Ambry Thomas and Ji'Ayir Brown will have to be at their best too.
Kansas City are going for their third title in five years. That would officially class them as a dynasty team, but some already have them at that level as they have reached the last six AFC Championship games, won two titles and appeared in another Super Bowl in that time. Patrick Mahomes is one of the main reasons for all this. He has only known going deep in the postseason, as that stretch of six title games have all been under his stewardship. If he wins a third ring now, he will equal the tally that Tom Brady had in the same amount of time playing in the league. Similar to Brady, the supporting cast changes but the outcome is the same. Running backs Isiah Pacheco and Clyde Edwards-Helaire will be a good duo to take pressure off the passing game, but when they do air it out Rashee Rice will be looking to post some big numbers, and Marquez Valdes-Scantling always seems to come up big when something special is needed. It is, though, the headline-grabbing Travis Kelce that will be Mahomes' go-to guy when things get rolling. Despite the hype he is not just Swift's beau; he is an elite NFL player who is just as key as his QB. The Chiefs' defense is anchored by Chris Jones, who will disrupt many plays through his presence alone. Ably backed up by Nick Bolton and the misnamed Drue Tranquill, this is a fearsome defense that has finally got the praise it deserves, as it has often carried the team this season.
The two head coaches are two of the best scheming minds in the game, and both should be Hall Of Fame entries when they finally call it a day. One may be nearer that time than the other. Andy Reid is one of the game's longest serving coaches and this year moved into fourth place for all-time wins in NFL history. Only Don Shula, George Halas and Bill Belichick are ahead of him. That's some company. Reid only ranks behind Belichick in postseason wins, and this will be his third Super Bowl win as a head coach should he prevail over his rival Kyle Shanahan.
The Niners play caller has been in the top position in San Francisco since 2017 and after a slow start has built his side into perennial winners. After losing to the Chiefs in Super Bowl 54 this is Shanahan's first return to the end-of-season game, after the last two seasons have seen him fall short in the NFC title match.
This has all the elements to be a close and exciting Super Bowl. The teams match up well, with both capable of big plays that will astonish, as well as being able to keep the game tight with some outstanding defensive play. Experience of playing at this level may be a factor, but once the game gets going those fears will dissipate. And as proved a handful of years ago jumping out to a commanding lead will count for little. In a league built for parity, we have two teams that always seem to be thereabouts at this time of year, and maybe we should be ushering in a new dynasty as the Chiefs may just have the edge again. But then there is Purdy and his never say quit attitude…
Too close to call, so you better tune in.
Super Bowl 58 is this Sunday, February 11th, and can be viewed in the UK on Sky Sports, ITV and NFL Game Pass, with kick-off at 11.40 pm GMT. You can also follow on radio, with broadcasts on TalkSport and BBC Radio 5 Live.
