Chiefs Vs. 49ers Preview: QB’s Will Be The Key

In a lot of ways the Kansas City Chiefs and the 49ers are very similar. Both are young teams with strong running games and decent defenses looking to take the next step in their maturation process.

When the two teams square off Sunday in Kansas City their game plans are likely to be very similar. My guess is both will come in determined to stop the run while forcing the opposing team’s QB to beat them.

It will be a battle between Alex Smith and Matt Cassel for below average QB supremacy. There can be only one!

While the QB matchup may not be good enough to inspire a made for TV movie, it is immensely important for both teams.

Alex Smith had a rough start to the season in the 49ers blow-out loss to the Seattle Seahawks. Smith threw 45 passes in that contest, completing 26 for 225 yards, no touchdowns and two interceptions. He rebounded last week against the Saints but his numbers still weren’t that impressive. Smith went 23 for 32 for 275 yards and a touchdown but he also threw two interceptions.

Smith benefited from an improved game by Frank Gore. The Seahawks shutdown Gore in Week 1, limiting him to a stingy 38 yards on 17 attempts for a paltry 2.2 yards per carry. By taking Gore out of the game the Seahawks forced Smith to beat them and he couldn’t do it. The Saints, however, couldn’t stop Gore nabbed 112 yards on the ground and 56 through the air. The result was a much closer game.

On the other side of the field, Chiefs QB Matt Cassel is having a miserable season so far. He was very ineffective in Week 1 vs. the Chargers, completing 10 of 22 passes for only 68 yards, albeit in the rain and 1 touchdown. Week 2 in Cleveland started poorly for Cassel as well but the Chiefs signal caller seemed to settle down in the second half. On the day he went 16 of 28 for 176 yards with no touchdowns and 2 interceptions.

Whichever QB is able to move his team through the air without turning the ball over is likely to get the win.

What do you think, Addicts? Does Matt Cassel have what it takes to defeat Alex Smith at home?