Super Bowl LIV

By MATTHEW BARON ‘23

Super Bowl LIV featured the speedy, offensive dynamo of the Kansas City Chiefs going up against the number 1 seed in the NFC, the San Francisco 49ers. The first quarter was packed with action. The Chiefs returned the opening kick, after which their quarterback Patrick Mahomes threw two incomplete passes that forced the Chiefs to punt. The punt enabled 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garappolo to lead his team on a 10-play, 62-yard drive that resulted in a field goal.

Mahomes immediately responded with a 75-yard drive that took 15 plays and resulted in a touchdown. Chiefs’ head coach Andy Reid, searching for his first Super Bowl win, attempted to gain a 1st down rather than to tie the game with an easy field goal. By the end of the first quarter, the Chiefs led the 49ers 7 to 3.

During the second quarter, Garappolo took a hit as he threw the ball, which was intercepted by Chiefs cornerback Bashaud Breeland. The Chiefs capitalized on this turnover as they turned their drive into 9 plays that covered 43 yards, resulting in a field goal that extended their lead to 10-3.

The 49ers immediately responded as Garappolo led his team on a 7-play, 80-yard touchdown drive. 49ers running back Raheem Mostert rushed for 20 yards, and fellow running back Tevin Coleman rushed for 17 yards. Following a 15-yard pass to fullback Kyle Juszczyk, the 49ers scored their first touchdown, bringing the game to within 1 point. The 49ers made the extra point, so the two teams ended the first half tied at 10 - 10.

The 49ers started the second half with the ball. Garoppolo led a 9-play, 60-yard drive that resulted in a field goal. On a 4th and 2 at the Kansas City 24 yard line, 49ers kicker Robbie Gould drilled a field goal to lead 13-10.

Shortly afterwards, Mahomes threw a ball intended for wide receiver Tyreek Hill too late and too low, resulting in an interception and 3-yard run for the 49ers. Garoppolo then took the field and immediately threw a 16-yard pass to wide receiver Deebo Samuel. San Francisco continued to move down the field; they proceeded to score on Mostert’s 1-yard rush, extending the 49ers lead to 20-10.

The tide of the game turned when the Chiefs turned their defensive momentum into offensive momentum, storming down the field for 83 yards in only 10 plays. On a 3rd and 15, Mahomes threw to wide-open Hill for a gain of 44 yards to bring Kansas to the 21-yard line. Then, Mahomes passed the ball to Chiefs superstar tight end Travis Kelce for a touchdown. After they made the extra point, the Chiefs trailed just 17-20.

After forcing the 49ers to punt for a second consecutive drive, the Chiefs marched down the field and scored again when Mahomes found wide receiver Sammy Watkins on a 38-yard deep pass. On 3rd and goal, running back Damien Williams caught a pass from Mahomes for a 5-yard touchdown. After the extra point, the Chiefs led 24-20.

With just 1:30 remaining in the game, the 49ers had no choice but to go for an unsuccessful 1st down on 4th and 10. Two plays later, Williams rushed for a 38-yard touchdown. Trailing 31-20 with only 57 seconds left, Garoppolo attempted a deep pass, which was intercepted by Chiefs cornerback Kendall Fuller. The Chiefs then ran out the remaining time. After a 50 year drought, the Kansas City Chiefs won Super Bowl LIV. •

Mark PangFebruary 11, 2020