Multiple 49ers players admit to not knowing Super Bowl overtime rules following heartbreaking loss to Chiefs
The difference in Super Bowl LVIII seemingly came down to preparation for the Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers.
As fate would have it, Sunday’s clash was the first time we saw the updated NFL playoff overtime rules in action, since they were changed following the epic finish to the Chiefs game with the Buffalo Bills a couple of seasons ago.
Of course, Kansas City was well aware of the differences, but it seems like the Kyle Shanahan and the 49ers lacked in that department, especially if you listened to the players following the heartbreaking loss.
“I didn’t even know about the new playoff overtime rule, so it was a surprise to me,” Niners defensive lineman Arik Armstead said, via ESPN. “I didn’t even really know what was going on in terms of that.”
Additionally, fullback Kyle Juszczyk echoed Armstead’s sentiment, explaining that he still believed the NFL was utilizing the overtime rules of yesteryear.
“You know what? I didn’t even realize the playoff rules were different in overtime,” Juszczyk said. “I assume you just want the ball to score a touchdown and win.
“I guess that’s not the case. I don’t totally know the strategy there. We hadn’t talked about it, no.”
Alas, that’s a far cry from the words of Chiefs star Chris Jones, who had a litany of questions for the San Francisco 49ers following capturing another Lombardi.
The star defender was actually 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.”
In the end, that’s exactly what happened for the Chiefs, as it worked out perfectly in their favor, as they scored the game-winning touchdown in overtime.
Moving forward, you can bet every team in the NFL will know the overtime rules in the playoffs, as Kyle Shanahan and the 49ers certainly wish they spent more time reviewing them as Monday morning came along.