The Kansas City Chiefs become the first back-to-back champs since the Patriots in 2003 & 2004. San Francisco fails to avenge their SB LIV loss in 2020.
The Kansas City Chiefs win back-to-back Super Bowls in what was a gritty and defensive SB LVIII. The new four-time NFL winning franchise edged out the San Francisco 49ers in overtime (25-22), despite trailing most of the game.
A game-winning catch by Mecole Hardman from Patrick Mahomes sealed the deal for the narrative both ‘Chiefs Kingdom’ and Swifties were praying for.
Dynasty? The Chiefs certainly think so. Shortly after winning, KC tight end Travis Kelce was asked if a three-peat is on the way: “We couldn’t get there without a repeat, and now we’ve got it! Let’s go Chiefs, baby!”.
What was a defensive masterclass from both teams gave way to a thrilling overtime period.
Meanwhile, it was all heartbreak for the San Francisco 49ers, who did everything they needed to to win. With just one mistake: giving Patrick Mahomes a chance to do what he does best, with a late overtime drive. Kyle Shanahan’s men will look to rebuild and come back stronger next year, but the loss will surely haunt them in the near future.
It was a low scoring affair, but still a thrilling one. While Patrick Mahomes and Brock Purdy controlled the pre-game narrative, it was in fact the Chiefs and 49ers defenses that showed out in Super Bowl LVIII.
Chiefs and 49ers: first to use new Super Bowl Overtime rules
The Chiefs and 49ers became the first Super Bowl teams to use new overtime rules. San Francisco’s first OT drive ended in a short Jake Moody field goal (for a 22-19 lead), but a touchdown wouldn’t have sealed the deal for the Niners. In this year’s big game, for the first time, both teams had a shot at successful end zone drives.
The following drive left the Niners in a very vulnerable position, especially against a Mahomes-led Chiefs offense. Ultimately, a ‘Chiefs’ special drawn up by Andy Reid had the star QB find Mecole Hardman for the game-winning score.
In an Allegiant Stadium filled with more Niners fans than Chiefs’, it was mostly heartbreak in the stands.