The San Francisco 49ers’ devastating loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LVIII has sparked a discussion about the NFL’s overtime rules. Coach Kyle Shanahan addressed the issue, revealing that he had discussed potential overtime scenarios with the team’s analytics staff before the playoffs began. However, some players admitted that they were not aware of the specific rules. Despite the confusion, Shanahan believes that knowing the rules would not have changed the outcome of the game.
Before the game, Shanahan instructed his assistant coaches to inform the team about the overtime rules, but he did not feel the need to discuss it in a meeting during Super Bowl week. He stated, “We told everyone as we were waiting for the coin toss to review everyone to make sure they’re sure before we go out.” Quarterback Brock Purdy confirmed that quarterbacks coach Brian Griese had informed him about the rules at the end of regulation.
The decision to take the ball first after winning the toss has also come under scrutiny. The 49ers managed only a 27-yard field goal before the Chiefs’ offense led by Patrick Mahomes scored a touchdown to win the game. Shanahan explained that his decision was based on discussions with the team’s analytics staff, who recommended taking the ball first. The idea was that if both teams scored on their opening drives, the 49ers would have the opportunity to win by scoring again in the portion of overtime where the first team to score wins.
Shanahan acknowledged that if the game had been more high-scoring, he might have chosen to take the ball second to know exactly what was needed to win. However, he felt accurate with the recommendation given by the analytics staff. General manager John Lynch supported Shanahan’s decision, noting that the defense had just been on the field trying to stop Kansas City’s final drive and needed time to get fresh.
After their heartbreaking loss, the 49ers returned to the Bay Area and spent Tuesday cleaning out their lockers. They discussed the plays they wish they had made in the game and how they plan to cope with the loss. Lynch expressed his commitment to improving the roster and mentioned the team’s intention to re-sign wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk. The team plans to use their Super Bowl loss as motivation for another shot at the championship next season.
Shanahan, despite facing criticism for his record in big games, remains focused on winning a Super Bowl. He brushed off the growing perception that he can’t win the biggest of games, stating, “If I fixed perception, that means I did everything I wanted to do, which isn’t fixed perception, it’s winning a damn Super Bowl.” He emphasized that the success or failure of a team comes down to one game and believes that the notion that the Niners can’t win a big game is inaccurate.
As the 49ers reflect on their loss and begin preparations for the next season, they are determined to learn from their mistakes and come back stronger. Shanahan and his coaching staff are expected to remain largely intact, and the team is eager to prove themselves on the biggest stage once again. Despite the disappointment, there is optimism within the organization that they have what it takes to win a Super Bowl in the future.