49ers players say they didn't know Super Bowl overtime rules

[4th and Long]

How is this even possible?

https://abcnews.go.com/Sports/49ers-...20Super%20Bowl.

49ers players say they didn't know Super Bowl overtime rules

Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs capitalized on the NFL's postseason overtime rules to once again beat the San Francisco 49ers in the Super Bowl.

While several Chiefs players and coaches said they had a prepared strategy in the event that the Super Bowl went to overtime, multiple 49ers players admitted they were not even aware of the rules.

"I didn't even know about the new playoff overtime rule, so it was a surprise to me," Niners defensive lineman Arik Armstead said. "I didn't even really know what was going on in terms of that."

Sunday night's game was the second of 58 Super Bowls to be tied after regulation. It was the first played under new overtime rules that ensure both teams get a chance to possess the ball before the game ends -- unless the first drive in OT ends with a safety. This differs from the rules governing overtime in the regular season, where the game ends if the first team to possess the ball scores a touchdown.

After winning the overtime coin toss Sunday, the 49ers elected to receive the ball to start the extra period. But their 13-play drive ended with Jake Moody's 27-yard field goal and set the stage for Mahomes, who orchestrated his own 13-play drive punctuated by a game-winning 3-yard touchdown pass to Mecole Hardman that sealed the Chiefs' 25-22 victory.

Niners coach Kyle Shanahan said he and his analytics staff discussed overtime possibilities before the game, but Armstead and fullback Kyle Juszczyk both said that overtime strategy was not discussed with 49ers players leading up to the Super Bowl.

"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."

[siberian khatru]

They must've been asleep when the world erupted in anger at the Bills being denied a chance to win in OT against the Chiefs so the league changed the rule.

[Dunerdr]

Poor coaching.

[smithandrew051]

There’s no good justification for taking the ball first.

I almost wonder if Shanahan didn’t know or remember, and then made up that analytic shit to justify it.

[4th and Long]

Defensive lineman Arik Armstead said he learned the details of the postseason rule when it was shown on the Allegiant Stadium jumbotron during a TV timeout after regulation.

[O.city]

Eh, I'm not sure taking it first is as big of a deal as some are making it out to be. The computer says there isn't much change either way, and taking it first can end up giving you a 2nd possession.

[ArrowHeader]

A very poor understanding of the rules is reflective of poor coaching. It is also a bunch of sourpuss drama queen athletes deflecting from their own shortcomings.

[Gravedigger]

Someone needed to pull a fire alarm in their head to wake them up when Overtime started.

[Eleazar]

Originally Posted by siberian khatru

They must've been asleep when the world erupted in anger at the Bills being denied a chance to win in OT against the Chiefs so the league changed the rule.

Exactly!

Sorry Whiners, you aren't the Bills, the league doesn't change rules or reschedule games if you make sad faces on TV

[stevieray]

Mitch and Danan were commenting on it's better to kick off as it's easier to win.

[Old Dog]

Just because it wasn't discussed with the players doesn't mean it wasn't discussed. The decision isn't something most of the players would have a say in anyway. I thought it was odd that they took the ball, but I figured it was likely because their defense was gassed.

[TwistedChief]

Originally Posted by smithandrew051

There’s no good justification for taking the ball first.

I almost wonder if Shanahan didn’t know or remember, and then made up that analytic shit to justify it.

The justification is that if both teams score 3 or 7 in their first drives, you have the ball with an ability to win it with a FG.

That obviously needs to be balanced against deferring and knowing the minimum of what you need.

I’d probably favor deferring but it’s close.

[Kman34]

They slept through that meeting because the fire alarm went off at 6am.. lol

[Sassy Squatch]

Receiving it wasn't the worst decision, however, with the rationale Shanahan used not going for it on 4th was inexcusable.

[kstater]

Originally Posted by smithandrew051

There’s no good justification for taking the ball first.

I almost wonder if Shanahan didn’t know or remember, and then made up that analytic shit to justify it.

I mean I guess you could argue you get the 3rd possession that's sudden death, but I doubt it would ever get to that in a playoff game.

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