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Kyle Shanahan's Worst Decisions in the Super Bowl
USA TODAY Sports

Lots of people are focused on Kyle Shanahan's decision to receive the opening kickoff in overtime, a controversial choice considering the Chiefs were guaranteed to get a possession as well.

But that wasn't Shanahan's worst decision of the game. He can make the argument that his defense was tired and wasn't ready to go right back on the field first thing in overtime. That's a fair thing to assert.

There were two other decisions Shanahan made that were much, much worse, and both came on third and 4.

The first 3rd and 4 was the 49ers' final offensive play of regulation. Shanahan called a pass, it got batted down and then he chose to kick a field goal.

A better play would have been a hand off to McCaffrey on third and 4, then go for it on fourth and short. Put the game in McCaffrey's hands -- he's the Offensive Player of the Year.

The second 3rd and 4 was the 49ers' final offensive play of overtime. Shanahan called a pass, the 49ers gave up pressure and Brock Purdy threw the ball away.

A better play would have been a hand off to McCaffrey on third and 4, then go for it on fourth and short. Trust your best player. Don't coach scared.

Instead, Shanahan coached scared, and settled for two touchdowns late in the game against the greatest quarterback of all time, and predictably lost.

I'm guessing the Chiefs were hoping the 49ers would pass on both of those 3rd and 4s, because McCaffrey was the 49ers' biggest threat, and Shanahan went away from him.

Bad call.

This article first appeared on San Francisco 49ers on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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