Chris Jones on Kyle Shanahan decision to receive in OT: 'They're crazy'
After capturing another Lombardi Trophy, Chris Jones of the Kansas City Chiefs had some questions for the San Francisco 49ers.
The star defender was surprised when the 49ers chose to receive in overtime of the Super Bowl. That allowed the Chiefs to know what they were up against when they got their shot on offense, and ultimately win their second-straight Lombardi with a touchdown.
Speaking with the media after the game, Jones called the 49ers “crazy” for their decision, wondering what exactly was going through their mind after winning the coin toss.
“They’re crazy. They’re crazy,” Jones said. “Because the overtime rules have changed, where both teams get the ball, no matter who scores. So originally, you wanted to let the other team get the ball, hold them to three, so you know what you’ve got. Or if you stop them, all you have to do is get three.”
The Chiefs had multiple chances to get off the field without allowing any points, but the 49ers were able to at least kick a field goal. However, Jones added that he knew the game was over after coming off the field on defense, because his offense had their backs.
“That’s the type of trust we have in each other. We get the ball back to Andy, Pat and Trav, we always feel like there’s something to do, and in any given moment, they can put it in the end zone. They just did that,” Jones stated.
Alas, Jones isn’t the only one who was baffled by the 49ers decision to go on offense first in overtime. Andy Reid even said so on ESPN following the game. He has immense respect for Shanahan, but there’s a reason he’s now 2-0 against his fellow coach in the Super Bowl.
“He’s a pretty smart guy; so that’s gotta be a reason why he did that,” Reid said postgame on ESPN. Everyone’s got their own philosophy on it. And I get it; so I don’t know if there’s a right or wrong way. We felt that you kickoff first but that’s neither here nor there. That’s what we think. Listen, the guy’s a great football coach.”
Alas, the result always dictates how we feel following a decision, and it worked out in the end for the Kansas City Chiefs. For the San Francisco 49ers, they’re going to be left wondering what could’ve been once again, as they came up just short in their quest for their sixth Lombardi Trophy.