Newton asserted that Purdy fulfilled his role effectively and played well, but he placed blame on the 49ers coaching staff for their loss in the Super Bowl. He argued that the decision to throw in overtime was the pivotal mistake that favored the Kansas City Chiefs. In his podcast, Newton emphasized that Purdy managed the game skillfully, minimizing errors and avoiding interceptions unlike his counterpart. The game concluded with a 19-19 tie in regular time, requiring overtime to determine the winner.
Shanahan, the head coach of the 49ers, opted to receive the ball in overtime. Their drive concluded with a 27-yard field goal by Jake Moody. Subsequently, the Chiefs took possession and successfully scored a 3-yard touchdown, solidifying their victory. Newton contended that the 49ers should have chosen to kick after winning the coin toss.
Shanahan’s decision to receive in OT not only surprised Newton, but also bewildered the Chiefs players. All-Pro tight end acknowledged that the 49ers essentially handed them the game. Overtime rules have undergone several changes over the years. Initially, it was sudden death, where winning the coin toss held great significance. In 2010, the NFL modified the rules, introducing more complexity. If a team kicks a field goal on their first drive in overtime, the opposing team receives the ball. However, if the team scores a touchdown or safety, they secure the victory.
The 49ers likely strategized their game plan based on these rules. However, fullback admitted that they were unaware of recent changes in the rule. In 2022, the NFL made further adjustments, but these changes did not apply to the regular season. The updated rule now ensures that each team has at least one possession in overtime. Even if one team scores a touchdown on their initial drive, the opposing team receives an opportunity. If both teams score and the scores remain tied, a second overtime is implemented.
Despite these rule modifications, Newton believes that Shanahan made an error in his decision. However, ESPN’s football expert would beg to differ. After the 2022 overtime rule change, thorough simulations conducted by Burke indicate that the team with the first possession wins 50.29% of the time, assuming the team with the second possession does not attempt a two-point conversion after matching a touchdown.
These rules are considered fair and the fairest among all overtime rules. The team with the first possession holds a slight advantage, winning 50.29% of the time, provided the team with the second possession does not go for a two-point conversion. The slight disparity in win percentage would require numerous playoff games over many years to observe a tangible advantage.
In conclusion, Newton criticized the 49ers coaching staff for their loss in the Super Bowl, absolving Purdy of any blame. He argued that the decision to throw in overtime tipped the game in favor of the Chiefs. Despite differing opinions on the fairness of the overtime rules, the 49ers’ lack of awareness regarding the recent changes may have impacted their decision-making.
According to the Source firstsportz.com