Super Bowl LIV will feature two of the more innovative coaches in football in Andy Reid and Kyle Shanahan. To win on Sunday, each will have to scheme to his team's strengths and exploit the weaknesses of his opponent.
Can the San Francisco 49ers find a way to slow quarterback Patrick Mahomes in their zone coverage looks? How can they use pre-snap movement to continue their run-game domination? And will the Kansas City Chiefs find a way to take Niners QB Jimmy Garoppolo out of his comfort zone?
Here are three game plan keys -- and a few additional notes -- for both the 49ers and Chiefs that can create matchup edges and a path to victory. We also pick out an impact X factor for each team. Let's start the scheming with the NFC champ 49ers.
SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS
1. Utilize motion and shifts to create run game advantages
Why it's important: Including the postseason, the 49ers have used pre-snap motion/shifts on a league-leading 71% of offensive snaps. It allows Shanahan to scheme leverage, blocking angles and numbers at the point of attack in the run game on offense.
How it works: Shanahan can create advantages in the run game versus Kansas City's four-man fronts using both pre- and post-snap movement. This creates situations where the 49ers get added numbers with fullback Kyle Juszczyk and tight end George Kittle, while also manipulating defenders off jet and wide receiver reverse motion. The key here is Shanahan's ability to scheme both leverage and angles on zone and gap (power) runs.
