The San Francisco 49ers suffered a devastating loss in overtime to the Kansas City Chiefs, leaving them empty-handed once more as they enter a critical offseason.
Following the defeat under the new overtime rules, there were doubts surrounding head coach Kyle Shanahan’s decision to receive the ball first, despite data suggesting similar win probabilities regardless of this choice.
Former NFL quarterback Cam Newton, a vocal critic lately, particularly regarding 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy’s performance as a “game-manager,” shifted blame onto Shanahan and the coaching staff during his 4th & 1 podcast. Newton defended Purdy’s Super Bowl display and criticized the coaching decision to receive the ball initially.
Newton highlighted two critical issues: the failure to pursue a touchdown and a lack of awareness among players regarding overtime rules, attributing these shortcomings to poor coaching rather than Purdy’s performance.
While Newton acknowledged the rationale behind choosing to receive, he expressed dissatisfaction with the subsequent decision-making by Shanahan. Shanahan’s strategy assumed the 49ers would secure the first chance in sudden death after two possessions, but failed to anticipate the aggressive approach of the Chiefs, who aimed to keep possession with Patrick Mahomes.
Newton argued that the 49ers needed to capitalize on offensive opportunities, especially on the initial overtime drive, by scoring seven points rather than settling for field goals.
Looking ahead, Newton suggested that Shanahan should exhibit greater aggressiveness in pursuing touchdowns in future situations like these.