The 49ers may wish to get past the controversy over the choice to start the game early in overtime, but behind-the-scenes photos from Super Bowl 2024 probably won’t help their cause much. In fact, one former NFL player predicts that someone will lose their job as a result of the decision.
The pivotal coin toss that decided when to start overtime was captured on camera by “Inside the NFL,” and the Chiefs’ shocked expressions after San Francisco chose to receive the ball to begin the extra period said it all.
“They’re interested in it. After the coin toss, Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes exclaimed, “They want the ball,” repeatedly expressing his disbelief as he left the field. Walking around the sideline, he exclaimed, “They wanted it, baby.”
Former NFL quarterback Jay Cutler was astounded by what he saw, which turned out to be an expensive error.
He was taken aback. It stunned me. Everyone was stunned, I believe,” Cutler remarked. It appears as though Patrick Mahomes will be given the ball second and four downs. A person is being let go. The Chiefs All-Pro tight end Travis Kelce appeared just as shocked as Mahomes when the cameras panned to him on the sidelines.
“We desire that they possess the ball. They can have it if they so desire,” Kelce remarked.
Kyle Shanahan, the coach of the Niners, has come under heavy fire for choosing to start overtime with the ball rather than kicking.
After several San Francisco players claimed they were unaware of the new overtime regulations, those grievances became more vocal. When the camera switched to fullback Kyle Juszczyk, who acknowledged on the sidelines that he was unaware of the significance of the play until that very moment, the “Inside the NFL” tape appeared to corroborate that.
In the video, Shanahan and another player heard Juszczyk say, “Hey even if we score a touchdown they still get the ball.” “I was unaware of that.”
The Niners were only able to muster a field goal during their possession, therefore the decision proved to be expensive.The game-winning touchdown was then scored by Mahomes and the Chiefs as they marched down the field.
When Shanahan spoke with media on Tuesday, he stated that although he had reiterated the new system to his coaches and requested them to convey the message, he had not discussed the new regulations with the 49ers ahead of the Super Bowl. A special teams play on Sunday in the third quarter gave the Chiefs life in their 25-22 triumph, even though the emphasis leading up to the Super Bowl was on the 49ers’ and Chiefs’ offenses and defenses.
With less than three minutes remaining in the quarter, the 49ers stopped the Chiefs, forcing Kansas City to punt from its own 35 following an incomplete throw on third-and-two.
With a lot of traffic surrounding him, 49ers returner Ray-Ray McCloud was ready to let Tommy Townsend’s 40-yard punt touch the ground.
However, Darrell Luter, a 49ers cornerback, was hit by the ball with his foot. McCloud attempted to field the ball after witnessing it strike his friend.With 2:28 remaining in the third quarter, the Chiefs led 13–10 after Patrick Mahomes found Marquez Valdes-Scantling wide open in the end zone for a score.
The Chiefs have never before entered the end zone in the contest.After Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Darrell Luter Jr. mishandled the catch of a punt in the third quarter, the ball rolls free for the San Francisco 49ers.
Shutstock/UPI/Jon SooHoo
After battling to move the ball all night, Mahomes and company were able to gain the necessary field position thanks to the mishandled punt.
Rashee Rice of the Chiefs stated, “It was a huge momentum swing, especially Tommy got a foot on it, got a leg on it.” He can kick, but I don’t know what you say about punters. He gave a really nice kick. We were aware that we may take advantage of the opportunity to get a head start in the red zone.
Points were gained as a result of this turnover.In the game, there were more turnovers that felt like they lost the team points.
The 49ers easily advanced the ball to the Chiefs’ 29-yard line on the opening drive of the game, but Christian McCaffrey fumbled at the 27, allowing the Chiefs to recover and end the score threat.Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco fumbled and the 49ers recovered, ending the Chiefs’ hopes of reaching the end zone after a 52-yard pass from quarterback Kirk Mahomes to Mecole Hardman had put them up at the San Francisco 9-yard line.
