The last time Jimmy Garoppolo faced the Kansas City Chiefs, the game ended in heartbreak. The Super Bowl 54 defeat was crushing. Head coach Kyle Shanahan has repeatedly stated that he believes his Niners were the best team in the NFL during the 2019 season. Unfortunately, they just happened to let that one get away.
On Sunday, Garoppolo and the 49ers will host the Chiefs at Levi's Stadium. He hasn't rewatched Super Bowl 54 in a while but has reviewed the game this week.
"You definitely watch it," Garoppolo told reporters after Thursday's practice. "It was the last time we played these guys in a real game, so I think there is some merit to it. But it was a pretty long time ago, too, so you've got to be careful with [the emotions]."
The 49ers own a 3-3 record and hope to get back above .500 this weekend. That means those emotions have to be put aside as the 49ers prepare for the Week 7 matchup against a quality opponent.
"I think you just kind of have to, I think, is a big part of it," Garoppolo said. "Once you're watching the film, though, the emotions hit right away. But once you kind of get into it, and you're kind of thinking about the game plan, the emotions kind of just fade away a little bit.
"Obviously, deep down, it's still there, but you've just got to move on."
The pain of the loss has lessoned as the years passed. Obviously, there are some moments in that game that Garoppolo would like to have back, but the quarterback is focused on the here and now.
"It's a different type of motivation," Garoppolo said. "I think that motivation comes and goes. Those feelings come and go. This season is this season now, so it's just a little different."
Garoppolo added, "I think everything heals with time. You still have that feeling inside, but it's just different."
Cornerback Charvarius Ward is dealing with a groin injury this week. He hopes to play against the Chiefs, his former team. While he hasn't practiced this week, the defender has offered some valuable inside information for his quarterback.
"Yeah, we were talking literally throughout this whole week, just little simple things, coverage talk, whatever," Garoppolo shared. "Yeah, he's been awesome with that. He's a really smart dude."