Adversity is something all too familiar to the Kansas City Chiefs. Coming into Sunday’s Super Bowl, the Chiefs had faced double-digit deficits twice in the postseason before rallying back to take the win 31-20. According to NFL Research, Kansas City became the first team in league history to win a Super Bowl after trailing by 10 or more in every game in a single postseason.
The #Chiefs are the first team to win the #SuperBowl after trailing by 10+ points in every game in a single postseason.#SBLIV | #ChiefsKingdom | @Chiefs
— NFL Research (@NFLResearch) February 3, 2020
Down 20-10 at the start of the fourth quarter, the Chiefs rattled off 21 unanswered points to win Super Bowl LIV. Patrick Mahomes did not have the easiest of paths en route to his first Super Bowl and Super Bowl MVP wins. Last year’s NFL MVP threw for 286 yards and two touchdowns, rushed for another touchdown, but also threw two interceptions. Mahomes finished 26-of-42 for a passer rating of 78.1. Chiefs running back Damien Williams put the icing on the cake as he scampered in for a 38 yard rushing touchdown with less than two minutes remaining in the game. Williams rushed 17 times for 104 yards and a touchdown and added a receiving touchdown as well. Sammy Watkins added 98 yards on five receptions while tight end Travis Kelce rounded out the scoring with one touchdown and six catches for 43 yards.
As far as the 49ers, they remained conservative in the pass game, with Jimmy Garoppolo only attempting 20 passes through the first three quarters. He finished 20-for-31 for 219 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions. The 49er defense was as advertised and kept pressure on Mahomes all night. The Super Bowl MVP was sacked four times and forced to drop back several times.
Although the 49ers did not punt until the fourth quarter, the Chiefs defense was solid and contained San Francisco’s most productive offensive players. Tight end George Kittle was held to just 36 yards while Deebo Samuel was limited to just 39 yards.
