3 Super Bowl x-factors who have to step up for the Kansas City Chiefs
By Nick Villano
![Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco (10) carries the ball in the third quarter during the AFC championship NFL game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, Jan. 29, 2023, at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Mo. The Kansas City Chiefs won, 23-20. Mandatory Credit: Kareem Elgazzar-USA TODAY Sports Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco (10) carries the ball in the third quarter during the AFC championship NFL game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, Jan. 29, 2023, at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Mo. The Kansas City Chiefs won, 23-20. Mandatory Credit: Kareem Elgazzar-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/e3c496fa1e5fe575cf36f6458a5de2740e4fa383902bcbcba6336537b05c257d.jpg)
Chiefs Super Bowl x-factors: 2. Frank Clark
The Chiefs need to get to Jalen Hurts. After a relatively quiet regular season, Frank Clark has been incredible in the postseason. He has 2.5 sacks in two games, including 1.5 sacks against the Bengals. On one sack, Clark and Willie Gay Jr. combined to take down Joe Burrow in the first quarter. The Chiefs were trying to send a message, and the defensive line helped in a major way.
Clark ended up passing Reggie White and Terrell Suggs on the all-time postseason sacks list. He’s now third all-time in postseason sacks. Clark needs two sacks in the Super Bowl to tie Bruce Smith for second all-time. He’s four away from former Patriots star Willie McGinest.
However, he has to focus on the here and now. Clark is looking to stop the Eagles in the passing game. Both AJ Brown and Devante Smith usually need time to formulate a route. That gives Clark enough time to grab Jalen Hurts and bring him down.
The Chiefs got the best out of Clark when it matters the most. He’s been a machine in the postseason. Now, he’s looking to help his team win a second Super Bowl. Tying Smith with two sacks on February 12th would go a long way in stopping the Eagles’ high-powered offense.