The San Francisco 49ers came close to winning Super Bowl LVIII but fell short for the second time against the Kansas City Chiefs. Despite holding a double-digit lead, the 49ers faced criticism for their decision to receive the ball first in overtime, opting for a field goal. However, the defense couldn’t prevent the Chiefs from scoring a touchdown, leading to their championship loss. The debate over the decision persisted throughout the week, with many suggesting the 49ers should have gone second to maximize their offensive opportunities.
While the overtime decision fueled discussions, Mike Sando of The Athletic argued that various factors contributed to the 49ers’ defeat. Sando pointed out key moments like Williams’ penalties, a McCaffrey fumble, Deebo being covered in coverage, and Kittle missing protection. Additionally, he highlighted coaching decisions, particularly Shanahan’s discomfort playing with a two-minute offense before halftime.
Despite the controversy, Sando emphasized that there is no mathematical advantage to choosing whether to go first or second in overtime. Turnovers, such as McCaffrey’s fumble and special teams errors, played a significant role in shifting momentum to the Chiefs. While head coach Kyle Shanahan had a strong game plan in the first half, criticism arose for his playcalling and conservative approach late in the game.
Looking ahead, the 49ers are seen as a formidable contender for the upcoming season, provided they demonstrate their ability to win at the highest level.
