Image by: Jeffery Beall (CC by 4.0).
By: Alex Bock
NIAGARA UNIVERSITY, N.Y. – After trailing 20-10, the Kansas City Chiefs exploded for 21 points in the fourth quarter to beat the San Francisco 49ers 31-20 to win Super Bowl LIV.
Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs faced off against a San Francisco 49ers team, who just last season finished near the bottom of the league at 4-12. The matchup seemed like a perfect fit, with Mahomes leading the NFL’s most explosive offense against a ferocious 49ers defense, led by Super Bowl champion cornerback Richard Sherman, and this year’s Associated Press Defensive Rookie of the Year Nick Bosa.
With the score tied 10-10 at the half, it appeared the Niners’ defense was up to the task. On the other side, a much improved Chiefs defense kept Jimmy Garoppolo in check, along with the backfield trio of Matt Breida, Tevin Coleman and Raheem Mostert who makeup a scary niners run game.
San Francisco appeared to gain the edge in the third quarter, with a 1-yard touchdown run from Mostert, giving the Niners a 20-10 lead heading into the final frame in Miami. However, as we’ve already grown accustomed to this postseason, Mahomes and the Chiefs showed just how explosive they are.
Although he did not have his best statistical night (26-42 completion, 286 yds, 2 TD, 2 INT), Mahomes proved once again he can deliver when it matters most. A 1-yard touchdown pass to Travis Kelce helped to kick start the the avalanche of scoring for the Chiefs. Running back Damien Williams proved to be an x-factor in the comeback, hauling in the go-ahead touchdown from Mahomes to take the lead, and later rushing 38 yards for another score with 2:44 left that proved to be the dagger.
Mahomes would inevitably be crowned Super Bowl MVP, adding to his already incredible resume through his first three seasons in the NFL, which includes 2018 MVP honors, multiple records for a quarterback and of course, a super bowl title. Chiefs Head Coach Andy Reid made the last step to the top of football was finally complete after 21 seasons as an NFL head coach, checking off that last box in what has been a Hall of Fame coaching career.
Niagara Wire 