Fred Warner, linebacker for the San Francisco 49ers, opted for “tails” during the coin toss to commence the overtime phase in Super Bowl 58.
The coin landed on tails, and Warner expressed the 49ers’ desire to receive the football at the beginning of the additional period. This decision sparked debate and left San Francisco coach Kyle Shanahan pondering long after the 49ers ultimately lost to Kansas City on Sunday.
After advancing down the field, the 49ers opted to kick a field goal on fourth-and-4 at the Kansas City 9. Subsequently, Kansas City orchestrated a 75-yard drive, culminating in quarterback Patrick Mahomes connecting with wide receiver Mecole Hardman for a 3-yard touchdown pass, clinching a 25-22 victory.
Under the former overtime rules, Shanahan’s decision to receive the football would have been the correct call, as scoring a touchdown on the initial possession would secure victory. However, Super Bowl 58 was the inaugural game played under the revised overtime regulations, ensuring both teams an opportunity to possess the ball before the game concludes.
Opting to receive deprived Shanahan and the 49ers of crucial information. Had Shanahan been aware that three points might not suffice, he likely would have opted to go for it on fourth-and-4 at the Kansas City 9. Nonetheless, Shanahan elected to kick the field goal, only to realize later that they might not get the ball back.
Conversely, Kansas City, cognizant of the necessity to at least convert a field goal to prolong the game, opted to go for it on fourth-and-1 at their own 34. This decision ultimately set the stage for Mahomes’ game-winning pass to Hardman.
Shanahan elucidated his rationale, stating, “It’s something we discussed. None of us have extensive experience with the new overtime rules, but we analyzed all the data and consulted with experts. We believed it was the best course of action. We wanted to possess the ball third. In the event both teams scored, we wanted to be the ones with the opportunity to secure victory. Thus, after securing the field goal, we knew we had to prevent them from scoring a field goal. If we achieved that, we believed victory was within our grasp.”
The overtime regulations for Super Bowl 58 differ from those in the regular season, where the game concludes if the team possessing the ball first scores a touchdown. Some San Francisco players were unaware of the new rules.
“I wasn’t even aware of the new playoff overtime rule, so it caught me off guard,” remarked San Francisco defensive lineman Arik Armstead. “I was somewhat confused about the situation.”
San Francisco fullback Kyle Juszczyk disclosed that the coaches had not briefed the players on the revised rule.
“I didn’t even realize the playoff rules differed in overtime,” Juszczyk admitted. “I assumed you simply aim to possess the ball, score a touchdown, and win. Apparently, that’s not the case. I’m not entirely familiar with the strategy. It was not discussed with us.”
Shanahan endeavored to anticipate multiple scenarios during the overtime period, employing a strategic approach. However, Mahomes and Kansas City thwarted their plans before the game reached that stage.
