After the conclusion of Super Bowl LVIII and the Kansas City Chiefs becoming the first team to win back-to-back championships since the 2003-2004 New England Patriots, Doug Farrar of This week has some important inquiries to address.
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In this Super Bowl, Kyle Shanahan faced immense pressure and had a lot to lose. Unfortunately, he ended up losing the game, despite having a significant lead that he and his team squandered. This raises questions about Shanahan’s overall abilities and his historical standing.
Doug believes that Shanahan is similar to Don Coryell in the sense that he has greatly influenced how teams play offense in the NFL. However, like Coryell, Shanahan has struggled to overcome crucial moments in big games. He has been the offensive play-caller in three Super Bowls where his team had a double-digit lead, but failed to hold on to it. The fact that these losses came against two of the greatest organizations in his era, the Bill Belichick Patriots and the Andy Reid Chiefs, adds to the significance. Sometimes, no matter how skilled you are, you face insurmountable challenges.
Other great coaches have also faced similar struggles. Tom Landry couldn’t overcome the Packers and Browns in the late 1960s, and John Madden’s Raiders lost three consecutive AFC Championship games to eventual Super Bowl winners. Shanahan finds himself in a similar position, hindered by the legacies of Tom Brady and Bill Belichick. It remains to be seen if Shanahan can break free from this pattern.
Kyle disagrees with the notion that Shanahan had a “huge lead” in the game. He believes that a 10-point lead against Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes in the first half is not significant. However, he acknowledges that Shanahan will continue to carry the label of “can’t win the big one” until he proves otherwise. While there were certain play calls and decisions that could have been made differently, not all the mistakes can be attributed to the coach. There were fumbles and errors made by players that were out of Shanahan’s control.
The third quarter, where the 49ers had four runs to 10 passes, is worth examining as a possible reason for their failure in big games. There were also issues with blitz pickups that led to free runners at the quarterback. However, when looking at the bigger picture, Shanahan has achieved a lot with the 49ers, considering their previous struggles. He has led them to multiple NFC championship games and Super Bowls, which is commendable. While he hasn’t won the ultimate prize yet, it would be unfair to label him as a failure. If his teams continue to look unprepared or overmatched, then a different conversation can be had.
In contrast, Andy Reid’s success cannot be denied. He has gone from a coach who couldn’t win the big one to leading one of the greatest dynasties in pro football history. Reid’s humility and willingness to learn have played a significant role in his success. He spent years studying spread game concepts and building the perfect system for a quarterback like Patrick Mahomes. Reid’s ability to adapt and improve sets him apart as one of the greatest head coaches of all time.
Kyle agrees with this assessment and believes that Reid is trending towards being in the conversation with Bill Belichick. While he may not be there yet, it’s hard to imagine a future where the Chiefs aren’t contenders for Super Bowls. Reid’s willingness to learn and constantly improve makes him a formidable coach. If he continues to stack up Lombardi trophies, he could make a strong case for being the greatest coach of all time.
The discussion then shifts to Patrick Mahomes and whether he is the greatest quarterback we’ve ever seen. Doug points out that Mahomes’ ability to read defenses at a high level sets him apart. He has evolved from relying solely on physical gifts to becoming a quarterback who can dissect defenses before the snap. This makes him a terrifying opponent for the rest of the NFL. While Mahomes still has a way to go to match the postseason success of Tom Brady, his talent and potential are undeniable. If he sustains his current level of play for the next decade, he could surpass Brady’s resume and stake a claim as the greatest quarterback of all time.
Looking ahead, the Chiefs seem poised to continue their success. They have effective cap space and the ability to make moves to improve their roster. While they have some key free-agent decisions to make, they are in a strong position to maintain their dominance. The 49ers, on the other hand, face challenges with their cap space and an aging roster. They will need to make tough decisions regarding their star players and plan for the future. The performance of their quarterback, Brock Purdy, will also play a crucial role in their success. If Shanahan is right about Purdy being a franchise quarterback, the 49ers can overcome challenges. However, if they are wrong, they could face difficulties in the coming years.
According to the Source touchdownwire.usatoday.com