Rams Rival 49ers Come Up Short in Overtime in Super Bowl LVIII

The San Francisco 49ers came up short in Super Bowl LVIII in overtime against the Kansas City Chiefs.

In 58 Super Bowls, only two have gone into overtime. The first was in Super Bowl LI in the New England Patriots comeback victory over the Atlanta Falcons.

The second was on Sunday night in Super Bowl LVIII with the San Francisco 49ers falling short to the Kansas City Chiefs 25-22. 

The 49ers had the edge in the first half surging to a 10-point lead over the Kansas City Chiefs in the second quarter.

49ers kicker Jake Moody also made history by scoring the first points of the championship game with a remarkable 55-yard field goal, setting a new record for the longest field goal in Super Bowl history.

The Niners extended their lead with a clever trick play resulting in a touchdown, with Jauan Jennings throwing a pass and connecting with Christian McCaffrey for the first touchdown of the game.

WHAT. A. PLAY.

📺: #SBLVIII on CBS
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/dClcEDViWl pic.twitter.com/F51rGyVbd0

— NFL (@NFL) February 12, 2024

Kansas City responded to McCaffrey's touchdown with their lone successful drive of the first half. Led by Patrick Mahomes, the Chiefs marched 65 yards down the field on 13 plays. However, the drive ultimately stalled, resulting in a field-goal attempt by Harrison Butker.

Butker successfully converted the 28-yard field goal, bringing the Chiefs within one possession just before halftime. As they head into the second half, Kansas City will receive the kickoff. 

In the third quarter, Kyle Shanahan took a bold gamble, opting to go for it on 4th and 3. George Kittle managed to barely convert, keeping the drive alive. This decision paid dividends as Jauan Jennings subsequently scored a touchdown, putting the 49ers back in the lead at 16-13, despite a missed extra point.

In the 49ers' opening drive in overtime, they faced early struggles: an almost-interception on the first pass, a false start, and an incomplete pass. However, a crucial holding penalty against Kansas City provided them with an opportunity. Despite tight end George Kittle briefly leaving with a shoulder injury, he swiftly returned, and the drive continued. 

After the Chiefs gained possession, Mahomes' pivotal 8-yard run on fourth-and-1 breathed life into their chances, followed by a 19-yard scramble that positioned them for the winning score. His connection with a wide-open Hardman marked the decisive moment, prompting the Chiefs to jubilantly rush the field amidst a cascade of red-and-yellow confetti.

What If Rams Traded for McCaffrey Over 49ers?

With the win The Chiefs clinched their third Super Bowl victory in the Mahomes era.

Mahomes and Reid have also now reached the halfway mark of Tom Brady and Bill Belichick's record of six championships in 20 years together with the New England Patriots.