Eric Fisher is the X-Factor for the Chiefs in Super Bowl LIV
By Jerry Trotta
Football junkies truly couldn't ask for more from the matchup for Super Bowl LIV, as Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs' record-setting frenetic offense will oppose Nick Bosa and the San Francisco 49ers' vaunted pass rush.
From that narrative emerges left tackle Eric Fisher, the Chiefs' x-factor to snap their world championship drought.
No pressure!
Life may not be all that glorious on the offensive line, but for Rockford’s Joe Staley and Rochester’s Eric Fisher will each start at left tackle as Staley’s San Francisco 49ers will meet Fisher’s Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday in Miami at Super Bowl LIV.https://t.co/eipapeb63L
— The Detroit News (@detroitnews) January 29, 2020
With the world-beating Bosa in All-Pro form of late, protecting Mahomes' blindside will be as important as ever, meaning Fisher will have to play out of his skin on Sunday.
The 29-year-old veteran will probably have to handle Bosa all by himself. At most, he will have Damien Williams, or whichever tailback is in at the time, providing assistance.
Sure, a tight end could work into the blocking mix, but that's not how Reid runs his offense. If we have learned anything about Kansas City since Mahomes took over at quarterback, it's that they almost never stack the box for extra pass protection. Does Reid really want Travis Kelce, Mahomes' ever-reliable security blanket, running limited routes because Bosa is terrorizing Fisher?
Chiefs OL v. 49ers Front the pivotal matchup Sunday...
— Chad Forbes (@NFLDraftBites) January 30, 2020
Don’t expect Chiefs Interior to handle Buckner / Arik Armstead. Eric Fisher needs to play game of his life to stop Nick Bosa. Dee Ford probably makes a few plays.
These 2 units will decide game.
Chiefs look overmatched.
Absolutely not, and if that turns out to be the case, well, advantage 49ers. What makes San Fran's pass rush so demoralizing is the fact that they only need four guys to get the job done, and Bosa will spearhead that onslaught.
Negating the rookie out of Ohio State will be imperative to the Chiefs' Super Bowl hopes, and Fisher is the player who will square up against him inside the trenches.