The Chiefs vs the Niners did not end the way people were expecting it to end. At the end of regulation time, both teams were tied. Then the game went into overtime. During the regular season, this is what happens. One team gets the possession which is decided after a coin toss. Then the winning team gets possession of the ball. If the team scores a touchdown, they win the game.
However, rules are different for post-season games. And Kyle Shanahan and his team paid a heavy price for making the wrong decision.
Travis Kelce couldn’t believe it was happening
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The coin toss happened and the Niners won it. They chose to receive the ball. “If you take the ball, you go up seven. that’s a huge advantage.” But instead, they chose to settle for a field goal. That elicited a reaction from Kelce. “I jumped out of my seat and said here we go.” His brother, Jason Kelce, described it as the “most controversial thing of the day”.
Not just this. Many players admitted that they did not know about these new rules. So, the surprise was not just from the opponent team, but from the Niners themselves. Some players openly admitted that they thought it was a wrong call. That’s not to call HC Kyle Shanahan’s coaching into question. As Jason said, he’s “one of the best coaches in the NFL”, but his players are not happy.
Players don’t agree with their coaches’ decision
The aftermath of the controversial decision by the 49ers to receive the ball first in overtime at Super Bowl 2024 continues to stir up debate, and behind-the-scenes footage from the game only adds fuel to the fire. In a revealing clip from “Inside the NFL,” the astonishment on the faces of Chiefs players, particularly Patrick Mahomes, is palpable as they realize the 49ers’ unexpected choice.
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Former NFL quarterback Jay Cutler didn’t mince words when expressing his astonishment, suggesting that such a crucial blunder could have severe repercussions. Cutler’s sentiments were echoed by many, emphasizing the magnitude of the mistake. The footage further underscores the confusion surrounding the decision, as fullback Kyle Juszczyk admits his own lack of understanding until the pivotal moment. The realization dawns late for Juszczyk, emphasizing the potential consequences of miscommunication or oversight.
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Ultimately, the decision to receive the ball first proved costly for the 49ers, as they were limited to a field goal on their possession. The fallout from this strategic misstep may linger for some time, with speculation rife about its potential impact on the team and its personnel.
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