Kansas City Chiefs defensive end and Super Bowl champion Frank Clark joined ESPN's First Take on Friday morning. He was asked about his Super Bowl LIV opponent, San Francisco 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo.
First, it is worth noting that Clark was seemingly critical of Garoppolo leading to and after the game. He felt that focusing on stopping the 49ers' run game and forcing the quarterback to try to beat them would be enough for the Chiefs to win. It was a sentiment shared by fellow defensive lineman Chris Jones.
What did Clark think when Garoppolo had a chance to prove himself and mount a comeback drive of his own?
"In my head, honestly, I was saying this guy's not going down the field to beat us," Clark said on First Take. "We need three-and-outs, consecutive ones, if we're going to win this game, and that's what we was able to go out there and do."
That doesn't mean Clark lacks respect for Garoppolo. He was asked where the 49ers signal-caller ranks among NFL quarterbacks, in his opinion.
"I feel like he's one of the best quarterbacks in the league," Clark responded. "But you say top-5, I wouldn't put him top-5. I'd put him up there as one of the top 10 guys, though, for sure."
The only problem for the 49ers on Sunday was that they did face a top-5 quarterback — quite possibly the best in the league — on Sunday in Patrick Mahomes. The Chiefs were able to overcome a 10-point fourth-quarter deficit and score 21 unanswered points in the closing minutes to become Super Bowl champions.
Comments
More San Francisco 49ers News
PFN predicts 49ers will sign Chiefs LB Nick Bolton
By David Bonilla
Feb 25
With free agency just weeks away, the San Francisco 49ers could be in the market for a linebacker to replace Dre Greenlaw. The fan-favorite defender appeared in only two games last season after returning from an Achilles injury, only to suffer a setback that sidelined him for...
Where 49ers' George Kittle and Nick Bosa ranked in PFF's Top 101
By David Bonilla
Feb 20
Pro Football Focus (PFF) continues to unveil its list of the top 101 players from the 2024 NFL season. Rookie guard Dominick Puni landed at No. 100, while veteran left tackle Trent Williams came in at No. 98. Star linebacker Fred Warner was ranked No. 57 despite playing through...
Top TE prospect Tyler Warren talks glowingly of George Kittle, 49ers 'fun scheme'
By Tim Ryan
17 hrs
The San Francisco 49ers have the No. 11 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, a spot that—if you've been keeping track of endless speculation—has the team likely taking one of several top offensive linemen or defensive linemen expected to be available there.
A choice...
Report: 49ers emerging as popular potential destination for top D-linemen
By David Bonilla
Feb 27
The San Francisco 49ers are looking to strengthen their defensive line this offseason, whether through free agency or the more cost-effective NFL Draft. With quarterback Brock Purdy set to take up a larger portion of the salary cap in future years, the 49ers aren't expected to...
