On Sunday, the Kansas City Chiefs, led by their star quarterback, Patrick Mahomes defeated the Brock Purdy-led San Francisco 49ers in a thrilling Super Bowl game, which went to overtime. Following the victory, the Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones questioned the Ninersโ strategy of taking the ball first in overtime.
During the post-game press conference, the Chiefsโ All-Pro defensive lineman Chris Jones called Kyle Shanahanโs decision to take the ball โcrazyโ. He then briefly explained why the Niners shouldโve let the Chiefs take the ball first in overtime.
Theyโre crazy. Theyโre crazy. Because the overtime rules have changed where both teams get the ball no matter who scores. So, originally, you want to let the other team get the ball, stop them holding the three, so you know what you got. Or if you stop them, they punt it, then all you have to do is kick three.
Chris Jones told the reporters
After the scores were tied at 19 at the end of the regulation period, the game went into overtime. The Niners won the coin toss and decided to take the ball first. They ended up only scoring a field goal, but the Chiefs, who got the ball second ended up winning the game with a walk-off touchdown.
According to old rules, if the team that goes first scored a touchdown, the second team wouldnโt even get a shot afterwards. So, every time loved to go first after winning the coin toss in overtime. But, by new rules, both teams would get a shot in overtime no matter what. So, it doesnโt really make sense for teams to take the ball first, but thatโs exactly what the 49ers did on Sunday.
After the game, even many Niners players said that some of them werenโt aware of the new overtime rules. Meanwhile, the Chiefs reportedly prepared every week for a situation like this.
Adam Schefter doesnโt believe Chris Jones will leave the Chiefs
Chris Jones just finished a remarkable season, where he was named to the Pro Bowl and first-team All-Pro squad. He will be a free agent in the upcoming off-season, but ESPN insider Adam Schefter believes Jones will return to Kansas City.
During a recent episode of ESPNโs The Pat McAfee Show, Schefter discussed a lot of things including the upcoming free agency. In the show, Schefter claimed that Jones has a great bond with the Chiefs and he would likely re-sign with them.
I don’t think he’s going to want to leave unless there’s some huge difference in offers between Kansas City and somewhere else. And the Chiefs value him, they want him back. To me, yeah they’re going to run it back with a lot of this team intact.
Adam Schefter said in The Pat McAfee Show
Jones and the Chiefs couldnโt come to a middle ground on a contract extension during the 2023 off-season. As a result, he ended up missing several games, but he still managed to register 10.5 sacks in the season. However, Schefter believes this time Jones and the Chiefs will work out a new deal soon.