Super Bowl 2024: How Lack of Overtime Rule Awareness Cost the 49ers the Game
In a stunning turn of events, Super Bowl LVIII showcased the importance of being well-versed in the latest NFL playoff overtime rules. The Kansas City Chiefs emerged victorious with a score of 25-22 against the San Francisco 49ers, thanks in part to the 49ers’ lack of awareness regarding the new format. This marked the first playoff game where the revised overtime rules were in effect, and it became evident that the Chiefs were well-prepared while the 49ers were caught off guard.
Unbeknownst to the 49ers, the new overtime rules granted both teams possession of the ball, regardless of whether a touchdown was scored on the opening possession. This lack of knowledge proved to be their downfall. In the aftermath of their defeat, several San Francisco players admitted their ignorance regarding the updated rules, despite them being in place for two years.
“I guess that’s not the case,” confessed 49ers fullback Kyle Juszczyk. “I don’t really know the strategy.” Juszczyk believed that if a team scored a touchdown on their opening possession in overtime, they would automatically win. This misconception stemmed from a previous rule implemented in 2010. Under those regulations, if the team that received the ball first scored a field goal, the game would continue. However, if they scored a touchdown or if the defense scored a safety, the game would end immediately.
Arik Armstead, another 49ers player, also admitted to being unaware of the new overtime rule. He did not realize that even if his team won the coin toss and scored a touchdown, the opposing team would still have an opportunity to possess the ball. These revelations raised questions about whether head coach Kyle Shanahan was aware of the rules and how he had prepared his team for a potential overtime scenario.
The 49ers’ decision to take the ball first in overtime further compounded their disadvantage. This choice proved to be ill-advised, especially considering that some of Shanahan’s players were unaware of the protocol if they were to score. Since both teams were guaranteed possession, going first did not provide them with an optimal strategy. On the other hand, the Chiefs were fully aware of the rules and knew exactly what they needed when they received the ball.
“This is something we talked about with, you know, that none of us have a ton of experience of it,” Shanahan explained after the game. “We went through all the analytics and talked with those guys, and we just thought it would be better, we just wanted the ball third.” The 49ers’ field goal meant that the Chiefs needed a touchdown to secure victory. Even if the 49ers had scored a touchdown, they would have faced the pressure of deciding between kicking an extra point or attempting a two-point conversion.
In contrast, the Chiefs had thoroughly discussed playoff overtime strategies with their analytics coordinator, Mike Frazier. Head coach Andy Reid trusted Frazier’s expertise, as he had been with Reid for 11 seasons in Kansas City and had previously held the same role with the Philadelphia Eagles. This preparation paid off for the Chiefs, as they made the right call when they won the coin toss.
“That’s the value of Mike. He does a great job with that,” Reid acknowledged. “There’s two ways you can go with it. You can either kick it off or you can receive it. I’m not sure there’s a right answer necessarily. Ours ended up being the right one.” The Chiefs wanted the ball second, while the 49ers aimed for the third possession if possible.
The 49ers’ lack of awareness became glaringly apparent once they failed to score a touchdown. With Patrick Mahomes leading the Chiefs, the 49ers should have applied pressure on him to score first, forcing Reid to make a decision about attempting a two-point conversion. However, this missed opportunity could have been avoided if the 49ers had been aware of the rules. Unfortunately, neither the players nor the head coach were knowledgeable about the situation, ultimately leading to their defeat.
In the end, the Super Bowl LVIII showcased the importance of staying informed about rule changes and being prepared for any scenario. The Chiefs’ victory was a testament to their thorough understanding of the new overtime rules, while the 49ers’ loss highlighted the consequences of overlooking crucial information. As teams continue to adapt and strategize, it is essential for players and coaches alike to remain up-to-date and well-versed in the ever-evolving landscape of the NFL.