The Kansas City Chiefs have ended their 50-year wait for a second Super Bowl victory, coming from 20-10 down at the end of the third quarter to defeat the San Francisco 49ers 31-20 and earn their first championship since 1970.
Looking out of sorts on both sides of the ball for much of the first three quarters, superstar quarterback Patrick Mahomes found another gear in the fourth quarter. Despite throwing an early interception, he led the Chiefs to a 21-0 surge that saw them reverse a double-digit deficit for the third time this postseason.
The 24-year-old finished 26/42 in passing, for 286 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions, while rushing for another. Running back Damien Williams starred too with 104 yards off 17 carries with two touchdowns.
Jimmy Garoppolo recovered from a shaky start to finish 20/31 with 219 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions, but neither he nor the rest of the San Francisco offense could get anything going in the crucial final quarter.
Robbie Gould nailed a 38-yard field goal to open the scoring for San Francisco in the first quarter, but potent offense from the Chiefs saw them get into the endzone first and open up a 7-3 lead.
A bad interception form Garoppolo towards the end of the first quarter put the Chiefs in prime position to open things up, but San Francisco’s vaunted defense ensured the damage was restricted to just a field goal before the offense went 80 yards in just seven plays to tie things up at ten apiece.
Things looked to be falling the 49ers’ way in the third quarter after an early field goal was followed up by an uncharacteristically poor interception by Mahomes, with the Niners duly punished to extend the lead to 20-10.
When Mahomes threw his second pick of the game early in the fourth quarter, that could’ve been lights out. But, the Chiefs got back to their explosive best in when it mattered to steal the win.
The win was the first for the Chiefs since they defeated Minnesota 23-7 in Super Bowl IV. San Francisco were gunning for an equal-record sixth Super Bowl victory, but have now lost two consecutive deciders after winning their first five.
Pete McAloney
Roar Pro
What a fantastic game for the SuperBowl! I rank this one up there with the Giants victory over team evil (pats) when Little Eli hit his receiver's helmet (David Tyree) who had the presence of mind to cling to it with one hand.
Pete McAloney
Roar Pro
It did seem dodgy but the frame which shows his foot out also has the tip of the ball crossing the plane. The previous frame had neither, so they had no option but to stick with the onfield call. My understanding is that there needs to be clear "incontrovertible" evidence to overturn the call. And anyway, it looked sensational!
Scorching
Guest
To make it even more confusing there is also a Kansas City on the Kansas side of the border but yes, they are definitely (and proudly) Missouri-based
Pickett
Roar Rookie
Was definitely going for Kansas, but got to admit they were pretty lucky with one of their touchdowns, where the foot was out.
Stirling Coates
Editor
The name of both the state and city come from the Kansas river. Kansas state is named as such because the majority of the river flows through it, while the city situated around where the river ends (in Missouri) is called Kansas City.
Chris Kettlewell
Roar Guru
Yeah, definitely disappointed. Took a day off work to watch it with the Niners being back in it. But KC played really well and deserved to win that surprisingly, I’m actually quite happy for them even in my disappointment. At least it wasn’t one of the teams that I really just don’t like winning it instead!
Chris Kettlewell
Roar Guru
Really, I didn’t know that. They certainly like to make things confusing for people. I always assumed KC was the capital of Kansas!
Chris
Roar Pro
Definitely disappointed, but it's hard not to think of this season as a massive success for my boys. The arrivals of Mostert, Coleman and Bosa, the returns of Sherman and Jimmy Jesus and a Super Bowl appearance are all big things for us to look forward to next season.
Marcus
Guest
I clearly did!
mushi
Roar Guru
Great game, last year neither team deserved to win, this year was the opposite.
Stirling Coates
Editor
Not a bad call, but Kansas City isn't in Kansas - would hate to make the same mistake as old mate Trump...
Marcus
Guest
Haven't quite got the line, but I think you left a Wizard of Oz/Kansas/"There's no place like Mahomes" opportunity on the table.
Kanggas2
Roar Rookie
The beginning of the Mahomes dynasty
Stirling Coates
Editor
Thought you'd like it :happy:
Josh
Expert
Nice headline work Stirling :thumbup: