Niners trying to downplay Super Bowl rematch vs. nemesis Chiefs

Watching film is a common exercise in the NFL each week.

Teams study tape of their opponents from previous games and matchups, starting at the beginning of the week. This process involves coaches and the entire team, as well as more specific cut-ups in position-group meetings.

For the 49ers (3-3) this week, who are preparing to host the 5-0 Chiefs on Sunday, the film study has a more emotional tone. They have had to watch the tape of their last encounter with the Chiefs, which was eight months ago in Super Bowl LVIII, resulting in a heartbreaking 25-22 overtime loss in Las Vegas.

Head coach Kyle Shanahan acknowledged the emotional weight of the rematch, but emphasized the importance of focusing on the present game rather than dwelling on past losses.

This game marks the 10th time in NFL history that there has been a rematch of the previous Super Bowl in the following regular season, with the defending champion holding a 6-3 record in those games.

Despite the challenges, the 49ers are determined to approach this game with a fresh perspective. Shanahan stressed the need to learn from past mistakes and adapt to the changes in both teams since their last meeting.

Injuries have also impacted the Niners this season, with several key players sidelined. The team has undergone some changes in coaching staff and roster since the Super Bowl loss, adding to the dynamics of the upcoming matchup.

One of the crucial matchups to watch will be in the trenches, particularly the battle between San Francisco’s rookie right guard Dominick Puni and Kansas City defensive tackle Chris Jones.

As the game approaches, the focus will be on the quarterbacks, with all eyes on Patrick Mahomes and San Francisco’s Brock Purdy.

Despite the challenges posed by the Chiefs coming off their bye week, the 49ers remain determined to face the game with a fresh mindset and a focus on the present.

By kickoff, it will have been 252 days since Kansas City’s victory in the Super Bowl, a reminder of the past that the 49ers are eager to move on from.