Here are three key matchups in Super Bowl LIV, scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Sunday at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla.:
Kansas City DE Frank Clark vs. San Francisco LT Joe Staley: Clark was signed in the offseason to add some tenacity to the defense. He had 41 tackles and eight sacks during the regular season and made the Pro Bowl team for the first time. Staley is a six-time Pro Bowl player, and he allowed only two sacks over 434 snaps this season, according to Pro Football Focus.
Kansas City TE Travis Kelce vs. San Francisco SS Jaquiski Tartt: The dynamic Kelce runs routes like a receiver and plays the game with style and flash. He caught 97 passes for 1,229 yards and five touchdowns during the regular season. In the playoffs, he added 13 catches for 164 yards and three touchdowns. Tartt, a hard-hitting strong safety, will get help from linebackers at times. Some teams try to guard Kelce with a nickel back or with an extra safety.
Kansas City RT Mitchell Schwartz vs. San Francisco DE Nick Bosa: Schwartz, an eight-year veteran, did not allow a sack over 1,046 offensive snaps this season, according to Pro Football Focus. Bosa, who was named to the Pro Football Writers of America's all-rookie team, had nine sacks in the regular season and added three more in the playoffs. He's part of the 49ers' ferocious pass rush.
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