Going into the Super Bowl LVIII, the San Francisco 49ers, and head coach Kyle Shanahan had much to gain following years of SB victory drought. However, as the twists and turns would have it, the history slipped away by a minor margin from the hands of the 49ers; letting the Chiefs clinch their second consecutive Lombardi trophy.

The game on Sunday involved its share of thrills and excitement as it got extended for overtime. But ultimately losing so close to victory, the 49ers HC, Kyle Shanahan, pointed out where he thought he slipped in decision-making.

Kyle Shanahan reflects on the heartbreaking loss

The Super Bowl game seemed in 49ers court early on in the match. Taking a 7-point lead well while entering the second half, the team proved to be ahead in the race. But the Chiefs knew better than to let them dominate. The third quarter witnessed the Kansas City team make a comeback with a TD and a field goal, grabbing them a 3-point lead entering the last quarter.

Kyle Shanahan reveals it was after that time that things slipped away from the 49ers, as they opted to take the ball while starting the overtime. The HC reasoned the decision stating it would provide an opportunity for the team to score. If the game remained tied after possession of the ball by each team as per the rules, it would enter a “sudden death” scenario.

This scenario falls in line with Brandon Staley’s moment against the Raiders and his many other controversial decisions. As a coach, Staley had called for a timeout when both the teams needed a tie to clinch a berth in the playoffs. The two HCs potentially had hoped for an extended opportunity. Here, it was only for Kyle Shanahan to have the Chiefs prevail; following a 49ers penalty and Mahomes first down to the four-yard line. Thus, securing a 25-22 win for the Chiefs. The games nonetheless, offered 49ers their share of brighter moments.

49ers fight through to the end

The 49ers started out early in the game when they struck 3-0 against the Chiefs for a quick lead. The score arrived, following rookie, Jake Moody’s record-breaking kick of 55-yard field goal. Then with a double-pass trick by QB Brock Purdy, Juan Jennings and running back Christian McCaffrey, the team went on to adorn a 10-0 lead. In what came next, Jennings became the first wide receiver in Super Bowl to throw a touchdown since Antwaan Randle El in 2006.

Also Read: Not a Single Post-Season TD, 49ers’ Unlikely Hero Jauan Jennings Makes History at Super Bowl LVIII With a TD Pass

While McCaffrey finished with 160 total yards, Purdy completed 22 of 38 passes for 255 yards and a touchdown. “It’s part of sports, it’s part of football, it’s part of life,” HC Kyle Shanahan said. “I thought we put ourselves out there. I love our team. We’ll recover and we’ll be back next year strong.”

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