Tag: Super Bowl LVIII

Analytics show where 49ers should have kicked off in Super Bowl overtime

The analytics on kicking or receiving the overtime kick in the playoffs (Kyle Shanahan wasn’t wrong to receive… but he also wasn’t right?):

The 49ers’ decision to receive the opening kickoff of overtime in the Super Bowl became a major discussion point after San Francisco’s crushing defeat at the hands of Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs.

Head coach Kyle Shanahan said after the game the team’s goal with receiving was to control the third possession. In the event the teams were tied after one possession each, the 49ers would then be able to win the game with a field goal.

Of course, it never got to that point because San Francisco kicked a field goal and the Chiefs scored a touchdown to win the game. Perhaps things would’ve gone different had the 49ers done what they usually do when they win the coin toss and took the ball second.

However, Walker Harrison, a quantitative analyst for the New York Yankees, crunched the data on the playoff overtime rules and it turns out there’s no surefire right choice.

Harrison’s numbers show no real advantage either way:

He posted another version with a legend that explains the methodology:

Alas, there are a ton of elements that factor into a coach’s decision. Surely the 49ers’ defense being nearly out of gas by the end of regulation also factored into Shanahan’s decision.

In a results-based business though the decision that led to a loss was the wrong one regardless of what the numbers say. That’s how Shanahan will be judged.

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NFL recognizes Marquez Valdes-Scantling’s remarkable 2023 redemption story

The NFL recognized Marquez Valdes-Scantling’s remarkable 2023 redemption story in a post on Twitter this weekend.

The Kansas City Chiefs entered Super Bowl LVIII as underdogs, a mistake that oddsmakers around the country aren’t likely to make twice.

While Kansas City’s fans were well aware of the Chiefs’ mettle during the playoffs, the up-and-down campaign of Marquez Valdes-Scantling had even the team’s most confident supporters scratching their heads.

A less-than-ideal start to his 2023 season left many fans questioning Valdes-Scantling’s viability as one of Kansas City’s top wide receivers.

But, when it was all said and done, the veteran pass-catcher earned his spot on the Chiefs’ depth chart after an outstanding postseason.

The NFL gave Valdes-Scantling a shoutout on Sunday, calling attention to his redemption story after his touchdown catch against the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl LVIII.

While Valdes-Scantling may have frustrated the Kansas City faithful with his inconsistency in 2023, his outstanding showings when the Chiefs needed him most will be part of his legacy forever.

Leo Chenal graded as PFF’s top defender in 2024 playoffs

#Chiefs LB Leo Chenal turned heads at Pro Football Focus, earning the highest grade of any defender in the 2024 playoffs.

The Kansas City Chiefs relied on their defense to win Super Bowl LVIII, and second-year linebacker Leo Chenal was a huge asset for the team in their playoff run to the big game.

Chenal cemented himself as one of the unit’s top producers in Kansas City’s matchups against the Miami Dolphins, Buffalo Bills, Baltimore Ravens, and San Franciso 49ers, earning a 91.0 grade from PFF for his postseason efforts.

While he might not be a household name yet, Chenal figures to be a key fixture of the Chiefs’ defense in 2024 and beyond as he comes into his own in Steve Spagnuolo’s system.

Kansas City’s players will face sky-high expectations next season, and Chenal may prove to be a lynchpin on the team’s defense as the Chiefs seek to defend their Super Bowl LVIII championship.

Chenal will be a player for fans to keep their eyes on throughout the offseason as Kansas City reloads ahead of its next title defense campaign.

Chiefs extend contract of special teams coordinator Dave Toub

Special teams coordinator Dave Toub was the latest assistant coach to earn a contract extension after the #Chiefs’ Super Bowl LVIII victory.

After extending defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo’s contract earlier this week, the Kansas City Chiefs locked in yet another assistant coach to a long-term deal on Friday.

Longtime special teams coordinator Dave Toub was the latest coach to earn a new contract, according to NFL insider Adam Schefter.

Toub’s new contract will keep him in Kansas City for the next three years and will ensure that the Chiefs maintain continuity on their coaching staff as they endeavor to win their third consecutive Super Bowl next season.

The veteran coordinator has been a fixture on Kansas City’s sideline since Andy Reid’s tenure with the Chiefs started in 2013. Before his time in the NFL, Toub coached the Missouri Tigers for more than a decade between 1989 and 2000.

His continued presence will be a valuable asset for Kansas City in the coming years as the Chiefs look to build their budding dynasty for the long term.

Panthers 2024 mock draft 3.0: Post-Super Bowl LVIII edition

With the Super Bowl in the books and the combine less than two weeks away, here’s our latest 2024 mock draft for the Panthers.

As the lights on Super Bowl LVII had faded, the focus of the NFL now starts to shift towards April—for the 2024 NFL draft.

So, with the combine set to kick off in less than two weeks, who should Carolina Panthers fans have their eyes on?

Here’s a post-Super Bowl, pre-combine mock to hold you off . . .

Chiefs WR Mecole Hardman will play in the NBA Celebrity All-Star game

Chiefs WR Mecole Hardman will play in the NBA Celebrity All-Star game

The victory tour is underway for the Kansas City Chiefs following their Super Bowl LVIII victory. The media appearances around the country allow each player to share their story after completing the rare back-to-back title championship.

The latest appearance involving Super Bowl hero Mecole Hardman involves him getting on the basketball court. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Hardman has been added to Friday night’s NBA Celebrity All-Star game in Indianapolis, Indiana.

The annual showcase featuring celebrities, influencers, and sports figures is a light-hearted game that is more about fun than competition. Hardman will join ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith’s team facing off against another celebrity group led by Pro Football Hall of Famer Shannon Sharpe. Houston Texans quarterback CJ Stroud, Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua, and Dallas Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons will also participate.

Hardman is well known for his fantastic speed on the football field, so seeing how it translates on the basketball court will be a treat. The 2024 Ruffles NBA All-Star Celebrity Game will take place at Lucas Oil Stadium at 6 p.m. CT on ESPN.

Twitter reacts to George Kittle’s attempted troll of George Karalftis

George Kittle’s attempted troll of George Karlaftis cost the #49ers the ball in the #Chiefs’ Super Bowl LVIII win.

The Kansas City Chiefs emerged as the victors in Super Bowl LVIII, and while the San Francisco 49ers were a worthy opponent, the NFC powerhouses couldn’t seem to get out of their own way.

San Francisco’s woes were encapsulated perfectly in this clip that was posted to social media this week, which shows 49ers tight end George Kittle attempting to troll Chiefs lineman George Karlaftis during a play that ended in a turnover.

Instead of giving into Kittle’s provocation, Karlaftis pounced on the ball after it was fumbled, giving Kansas City possession in the early stages of Super Bowl LVIII.

While Kittle isn’t entirely to blame for San Francisco’s loss, this clip didn’t look great, especially given his mediocre performance in the big game.

The Chiefs held Kittle to just two receptions for four yards in the Super Bowl, locking down the decorated tight end in all four quarters.

Check out what Twitter had to say about Kittle’s interaction with Karlaftis below:

Chiefs WR Mecole Hardman reflects on trade to Kansas City, final drive of Super Bowl LVIII

#Chiefs WR Mecole Hardman reflected on trade to Kansas City and his touchdown on the final drive in Super Bowl LVIII.

The legacy of the Kansas City Chiefs in the Patrick Mahomes era was further solidified following their Super Bowl LVIII victory. Mahomes is the group’s star, but he’s always managed to get the most out of his offensive weapons, including his game-winning touchdown target Mecole Hardman.

Chiefs Wire’s Ed Easton Jr. sat down with Hardman while he filled in working for Raising Cane’s in Kansas City earlier this week. The three-time Super Bowl champion reflected on the midseason trade from the New York Jets back to Kansas City and the team’s mindset late in Super Bowl LVIII.

“Guys welcomed me with open arms,” Hardman explained. “I came back to a system that I was very familiar with, you know, that knew the plays already. So, it didn’t take me long to get plugged back into the system. I didn’t come with no expectations of trying to be the guy or whatever; just wanted to play a role and help when I could.”

Hardman, who served a stint on injured reserve shortly after rejoining the Chiefs, was ready for his big moment late against the San Francisco 49ers.

“Just winning the game, as an offense, we knew what we needed to win the game that was to score,” said Hardman. “So that’s the mindset, focused too after they kicked the field goal, but we were locked in. laser focus and just trying to complete the assignment at hand.”

Teammate L’Jarius Sneed joined Hardman at Raising Cane’s greeting fans as he commented on his day at the restaurant.

“Everyone today has been so welcoming, and it’s great to see our fans who have supported us from the beginning,” Hardman said. “My go-to order is a Caniac Combo, and I sometimes get a Box Combo on the side – I get hungry.”

Stephen A. Smith ‘disgusted’ by 49ers firing defensive coordinator Steve Wilks

ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith is “disgusted” by the 49ers firing DC Steve Wilks

The fallout from the San Francisco 49ers losing yet another Super Bowl is continuing on this week. Yesterday on Valentine’s Day, the 49ers did not show any love to defensive coordinator Steve Wilks as they relieved him of his responsibilities. After only one season in the Bay Area, Wilks will no longer be on San Francisco’s staff.

You know, after a season where his defense was top three in the NFL and was routinely regarded as one of the best units in football. Oh, and not to mention after a Super Bowl performance where the 49ers held the Kansas City Chiefs to only 19 points in regulation. The Chiefs’ only touchdown in regulation came after San Francisco muffed a punt return, and Kansas City scored from 16-yards out on the following play. Yup, sure seems like the fault of a defensive coordinator who had an offense led by the best quarterback in football flummoxed for most of the game.

Naturally, the shock of this move was felt far and wide, as the overwhelming majority of people realize this was a preposterous move. Leading the charge was ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith, who let his opinions be heard loud and clear:

It became immediately evident this decision was simply making Wilks the scapegoat. San Francisco had plenty of opportunities to win, and it appears this was a move to help deflect heat from a different man on the staff: head coach and offensive play caller Kyle Shanahan.

Stephen A. is right on the money with his criticisms of Shanahan’s shortcomings in the big game. Shanahan has been a coach in three Super Bowls. In each of them his teams have held at least a 10+ point lead (25 points in Super Bowl LI) and had the lead with at least three minutes remaining in regulation. He is 0-3 in his three opportunities.

San Francisco’s defense may have struggled in the playoffs against Green Bay and Detroit at times, but in the Super Bowl they were arguably the only unit that showed up to its full potential. To put it as politely as a I can, firing Steve Wilks is certainly a head-scratcher from the reigning NFC champions.

The Xs and Os with Greg Cosell: Super Bowl LVIII recap edition

Greg Cosell and Doug Farrar review Super Bowl LVIII between the Chiefs and 49ers as only they can in this week’s “Xs and Os.”

Now that Super Bowl LVIII is in the books, and the Kansas City Chiefs have established themselves as the NFL’s nest dynasty with their 25-22 overtime win over the San Francisco 49ers, it’s time for Greg Cosell of NFL Films and ESPN’s NFL Matchup, and Doug Farrar of Touchdown Wire and the USA Today Sports Media Group, to review everything as only they can with copious tape study and advanced metrics.

Among the topics discussed in this week’s “Xs and Os with Greg Cosell and Doug Farrar”:

  • Steve Spagnuolo’s shocking man-blitz plan.
  • How Trent McDuffie made that deflection with 2:00 left in regulation.
  • Was Chris Jones robbed of a Super Bowl MVP award for the second time in four years?
  • Why Spags went so heavy with nickel, and Cover-0 stuff.
  • Why Brock Purdy wasn’t the reason the 49ers lost.
  • Was Dre Greenlaw’s injury a major factor in the game or not?
  • How were the Chiefs able to spot man coverage on Travis Kelce’s huge fourth-quarter catch?
  • How Patrick Mahomes showed his development as a quarterback at the most important points of his season…
  • …and why Mahomes’ biggest throw in the Super Bowl was the one he never should have attempted.

You can watch this week’s “Xs and Os” right here:

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You can listen and subscribe to the “Xs and Os” podcast on Spotify…

…and on Apple Podcasts.