Mahomes can claim the high ground for Kansas

THE super Bowl returns to familiar ground in Miami tomorrow night — but it may well feel like the dawning of a new era. For the first time since the 2015 season, the big show will not involve the new England Patriots. Instead, the san Francisco 49ers and Kansas City Chiefs take centre stage in a clash the bookies are struggling to call. Both sides are vibrant, explosive and entertaining. and with the Pats dynasty apparently on the wane, both will want to take over at the pinnacle of the sport. The 49ers will hope their ferocious defence, led by the disruptive nick Bosa, will be able to get to ridiculously talented Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Defensive end Bosa has enjoyed an incredible first season out of university and the outcome of the game may well rest on the shoulders of the 22-year-old, who grew up in nearby Fort Lauderdale. Mahomes, 24, is another young star who has set multiple records since heading to the Chiefs in 2017. This may prove to be a game of pass versus run. The Chiefs have shot past opponents through the air while the 49ers have beaten a path to Miami on the ground. Their quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo completed only six passes in the nFC Championship game and questions have been asked over whether the ex-Patriots man deserves to be in elite company. The highlight of the build-up here came when outspoken 49ers cornerback Richard sherman accused the nFL of hypocrisy over claiming that they are trying to improve safety for players while planning to introduce a lucrative extra game into the season. sherman’s comments came just hours after commissioner Roger Goodell had spoken of the steps being taken to looks after the sport’s athletes amid concerns over the devastating impact of repeated ferocious hits and multiple concussions. Goodell also told Sportsmail that a London franchise remains a distant hope.

TV: LIVE tomorrow on BBC One (11.25pm, kick-off 11.30pm) and Sky Sports (from 10pm).