The 2023 NFL AFC Champions were all smiles and asked a variety of questions about past games, injuries, family, fun in Las Vegas, experiences in football throughout their lives and more. The answers came back to their goal to win and game preparation.
“It’s great conditions to prepare for this game,” said Chiefs Coach Andy Reid. “I think our guys have been focused-in up to this point and the facilities are great.”
Quarterback Patrick Mahomes, was asked how they plan to keep up energy throughout the game Sunday, after halftime, in order to compete with the 49ers defense, the third best in rush defense in the NFL this season. He said the second half of their games is the area where they must continue to improve.
“Even Looking at the last AFC Championship game we didn’t execute at a high enough level,” he said. “For us, first you have to be able to manage that long half time break that you have in the Super Bowl, doing that the right way. I know that coaches have a plan for that.“
Usher will perform at halftime. The Apple halftime press conference will take place Thursday prior to the game. Music and entertainment is always a big part of the Super Bowl. Players often have special victory dances after tackles or touchdowns. Tight end Travis Kelce is no stranger to that. He did the “stanky leg” after his touchdown in Super Bowl LVII against the Eagles.
“It was stanky,” he smiled. “I don’t got anything planned right now, but I got a few days to think about it.”
Players have a few more days for preparation. The San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy was evasive and led his team to victory in the NFC Championship game after being down 17 points. Chiefs defensive end Mike Danna was asked how he plans to try to stop Purdy.
“Each week he’s putting up these numbers and finding a way to win,” Danna said impressed by Purdy. “That’s the most important thing, but this Sunday, I think it’s limiting their explosive plays, their explosive runs, and stopping or limiting their run game.”
According to the Pool Report the Chiefs had their second full practice of the week ahead of Sunday’s game. Per Peter King with NBC Sports Pro Football Writers of America who was selected to cover the pool, Nick Allegretti took over the left guard position, during the practice, in place of guard Joe Thuney, “who has been out with a pectoral injury”. According to King, Coach Reid said Allegretti would likely start against the San Francisco 49ers Sunday.
Thuney spoke with media Wednesday morning. He said the team will have to communicate to execute the game plan and play calls in order to protect Mahomes in Sunday’s game.
“San Francisco has an elite defense line,” Thuney said Wednesday morning. “There’s no weaknesses in front for them. I think when you’re playing teams like that it really takes the whole team working together.”
The Chiefs had their third practice of the week Thursday afternoon.
Editors Note: The general consensus among all of the folks we interviewed during the week was that Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes would raise the Vince Lombardi Trophy. The New York Beacon shares the same sentiment. Kansas City 30 San Fransisco 24.
