Super Bowl Recap

The game started out boring and sloppy as both teams were either punting or fumbling the ball. It didn’t turn up until Kyle Shananahn decided to dial up a beautiful trick play with the former high school quarterback, Jauan Jennings, throwing the ball to CMC for a 21-yard touchdown. The Chiefs finally got their offense rolling and got on the board with a Butker chip shot field goal before the half. 

The defenses were controlling most of the game after two quarters. We didn’t see much action from the big-name players like Kelce, Rice, Pacheco, Deebo, Ayuik, and of course, the two QBs. The biggest storyline in the first half was Dre Greenlaw, Niners LB, hurting his Achilles and leaving the game. Kelce had 1 catch for a yard in the first half, but then turned up in the second half and a reason could have been for Greenlaw’s absence. 

The third quarter saw some of the sloppiest play I have ever seen. The half started with a miscue between Mahomes and Pacecho which backed them up 12 yards. Two plays later, Mahomes threw a pick, but the Niners could not capitalize on the turnover. Both teams then went three and out on their next possessions. Finally, the Chiefs gave the fans something to cheer about with a 57-yard field goal from Butker. KC would get on the scoreboard again, just minutes later, after a SF punt return fumble. One play later Mahomes finds MVS in the endzone to take the lead. The Niners answered with Jennings catching a passing touchdown this time, but Moody’s extra point would be blocked. The Chiefs tied it up with a field goal and with just under 6 minutes left, the Niners had their chance to milk the clock and win it. Purdy got the team all the way into Chiefs territory and had a 3rd and 4 with 2 minutes remaining. The Chiefs had 2 timeouts left, so maybe the Niners should run the ball with CMC to A) pick up the first down and potentially seal the game or B) don’t get the first down, but force the Chiefs to burn a timeout. Instead, they pass the ball which is deflected and stops the clock. Moody drills a 53-yarder to take a lead, but there would be too much time left on the clock for the Chiefs. They would drive to the 10-yard line and settle for a game-tying field goal to send it into overtime. 

With the new OT rules you would think whoever wins the toss wants the ball second, right? Well, not in the Niners case as they took the ball first. San Fran would drive into Chief territory but would end the drive on a field goal. Mahomes is down 3 once again and he comes up clutch…once again. Mahomes uses his arms and legs to get the Chiefs deep into San Francisco territory. On the three-yard line, Andy Reid dialed up a play for Mecole Hardman and it paid off as Mahomes connected with him for the win. 

The Chiefs go on to win 25-22 and get their third chip in five years. Mahomes takes the MVP with 399 total yards and two touchdowns. 

After the game, some 49ers players (Juszczyk and Armstead) said they were unaware of the new OT rules and none of their coaching staff planned a strategy in case they went into extra time. On the other side, Chiefs players said they had practiced and planned for the new OT rules throughout the playoffs. Coach Reid said if they had won the coin toss they would have kicked. 

I understand why the Niners would want the ball first. Your defense just got walked on a few minutes ago and they need a breather so take the ball first to give them that. Also, if you score and the Chiefs tie it up, then you have the ball to win it with whatever score. However, getting the ball second you know exactly what you need to do with as much time as you need. So it can go either way. If it was me, I would have kicked it.