Super Bowl - Kansas City Chiefs v San Francisco 49ers: Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce defeat Brock Purdy in rematch
Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce and the Kansas City Chiefs are back-to-back Super Bowl champions.
Mahomes threw a 3-yard touchdown pass to Mecole Hardman in overtime, and the Chiefs rallied to beat the San Francisco 49ers 25-22 on Monday, becoming the first repeat Super Bowl champs in 19 years and ninth overall.
With pop star Taylor Swift watching boyfriend Kelce from a suite, the Chiefs captured their third title in five years and firmly established themselves as a dynasty.
The NFL’s first Super Bowl in Las Vegas was a sloppy, mistake-filled affair that was mostly boring until the back-and-forth fourth quarter and OT. It was the second of 58 Super Bowls to be tied after regulation, and the first played under new overtime rules that ensured both teams got the ball.
The Chiefs (15-6) trailed 22-19 after Jake Moody kicked a 27-yard field goal on the first possession of overtime, but Mahomes rallied the Chiefs, completing another impressive comeback in a rematch of the Super Bowl four years ago.
Mahomes ran 8 yards on fourth-and-1 to keep the Chiefs’ chances alive and then scrambled 19 yards to set up the winning score, which came 14min57sec into the extra period — just before what would have been the second OT.
“With all the adversity we’ve been through this season to come through tonight. ... I’m proud of the guys,” said Mahomes, who was named MVP. “This is awesome. Legendary.”
After he connected with a wide-open Hardman, the Chiefs ran on the field as red-and-yellow confetti fell onto the turf.
The most excitement in the first half came when a frustrated Kelce bumped Andy Reid on the sideline, knocking the Chiefs’ 65-year-old coach a few steps back after teammate Isiah Pacheco fumbled inside the red zone during the second quarter.
“You guys saw that?” Kelce said. “I’m going to keep it between us unless my ‘mic’d up’ tells the world. I was just telling him how much I loved him.”
The action picked up after a crucial blunder by San Francisco’s special teams set up Mahomes’ 16-yard TD pass to Marquez Valdes-Scantling for a 13-10 lead.
Brock Purdy and the 49ers (14-6) answered but they couldn’t make enough plays, denying Mr. Irrelevant an opportunity to go from last pick in the 2022 NFL draft to Super Bowl champion.
Mahomes and Reid are now halfway to Tom Brady and Bill Belichick, who won six championships in 20 years together with the New England Patriots and were the most recent team to go back-to-back following the 2003-04 seasons.
The 28-year-old Mahomes becomes the fourth starting QB to win three Super Bowls — joining Brady, Joe Montana, Terry Bradshaw and Troy Aikman — and second-youngest.
Niners wide receiver Jauan Jennings threw a TD pass and caught one, joining Eagles quarterback Nick Foles six years ago as the only players to do both in the Super Bowl.
After Moody’s 53-yard field goal gave the Niners a 19-16 lead with 1:53 remaining, Mahomes and Kelce went to work. Mahomes connected with Kelce for a 22-yard gain to set up Harrison Butker’s tying kick, a 29-yarder with 3 seconds left.
A holding call on Kansas City’s Trent McDuffie extended San Francisco’s opening drive of overtime and Purdy made key throws to drive the 49ers to the Chiefs 9. But San Francisco settled for a field goal.
Purdy, Christian McCaffrey and the Niners jumped ahead 10-0, but that’s no big deal for Mahomes and the Chiefs in the Super Bowl. They’ve trailed by 10 points in all three of their victories, including last year’s 38-35 win over Philadelphia.
Mahomes wasn’t at his best early and threw an interception. But with the game on the line, he was a magician once again. He finished 34 of 46 for 333 yards and two TDs.
The Chiefs were hardly dominant during the regular season and entered the playoffs as the AFC’s No. 3 seed. They won at Buffalo and at Baltimore in the postseason — the first road playoff games of Mahomes’ career — and entered the Super Bowl as 2.5-point underdogs, according to FanDuel Sportsbook.
“The Kansas City Chiefs are never underdogs. Just know that,” Mahomes said.
The game turned when San Francisco’s Ray-Ray McCloud couldn’t scoop a punt that hit teammate Darrell Luter Jr.’s leg and the Chiefs recovered at the 49ers 16, leading to Mahomes’ go-ahead TD pass to Valdes-Scantling.
The Niners answered on the next possession with Purdy tossing a 10-yard TD pass to Jennings for a 16-13 lead. Moody’s extra point was blocked.
Niners coach Kyle Shanahan gambled on fourth-and-3 from the Chiefs 15, passing up a chance for a tying field goal. Purdy hit George Kittle for a 4-yard gain and then found Jennings for the score.
Shanahan resorted to trickery for the only touchdown in the first half.
Jennings, a wide receiver who had never thrown a pass in an NFL game, tossed a 21-yard TD to McCaffrey. He was hit as he threw, but McCaffrey snagged the wobbly pass across the field and sprinted to the end zone.
Shanahan fell to 0-2 as a head coach in Super Bowls and 0-3 overall, including a loss when he was offensive coordinator for Atlanta. That was the game in which Brady and the Patriots rallied from a 28-3 deficit to win in OT.
There were plenty of stars in the building as the NFL brought its biggest game to America’s showcase capital. Jay-Z, LeBron James and Paul McCartney were among many celebrities in the crowd.
Post Malone sang “America the Beautiful,” Reba McEntire performed the national anthem and Usher electrified the crowd at halftime. He brought out a number of guests, including Alicia Keys, H.E.R., Jermaine Dupri, Lil Jon and Ludacris.
Attendance was announced at 61,629, the smallest crowd in Super Bowl history except for the pandemic game in Tampa, Florida, three years ago.
Christopher Reive
And that is where I'll leave you this evening.
I was enchanted to provide you today's coverage of a dynasty defining game. Probably not the last great American dynasty, but certainly the most prominent in US sports right now.
Enjoy the rest of your Monday night.
Christopher Reive
Christopher Reive
Travis Kelce ended up with 93 yards on 9 receptions. Not bad after having just one of each in the first half.
Christopher Reive
I imagine Mahomes will win MVP, but looking at the stats, linebacker Nick Bolton would have to go close. 13 tackles, hit the QB twice, had a tackle for a loss too. Huge outing.
Christopher Reive
Travis Kelce gets on the mic for a little 'Viva Las Vegas' rendition.
He cannot sing, but he knows how to have fun.
Christopher Reive
Chiefs coach Andy Reid credits his team's defence. They did well to hang in the contest as the 49ers rolled early and when the Chiefs offence woke up it felt almost inevitable that Mahomes and co would find a way.
First team to go back-to-back in almost 20 years, winning their third in four years. Dynasty.
Christopher Reive
Patrick Mahomes and Mecole Hardman celebrate their Super Bowl-winning play.
Christopher Reive
Taylor Swift (and friends) celebrate the Kansas City Chiefs winning the Super Bowl
Christopher Reive
Great play from the Chiefs. They sent bodies in motion to give the 49ers defence something to think about. Hardman began his run inside, but peeled back out to the corner. His defender couldn't go with him and all Mahomes had to do was hit the mark.
TOUCHDOWN KANSAS CITY
Christopher Reive
Mahomes finds Mecole Hardman unmarked in the corner.
The Chiefs mob Hardman! The people in the corporate box mob Taylor Swift! Andy Reid smiles!
The Kansas City Chiefs have done it again!
Christopher Reive
1st and goal. 40 seconds on the clock
Christopher Reive
2nd and 6: Mahomes to Kelce for a the first down.
Christopher Reive
1st and 10: Pacheco runs for three
Christopher Reive
KC now inside the 15. Feels like a Kelce TD to end it
Christopher Reive
3rd and 1: Ok, so Pacheco just missed the first down mark. Mahomes to the rescue again with a big run.
This is now the longest Super Bowl game ever played
Christopher Reive
Christopher Reive
2nd and 6: Mahomes to Pacheco, and the running back does well to get the first down
Christopher Reive
Timeout San Francisco
Christopher Reive
1st and 10: Mahomes looks for the homerun ball, but holds onto it and instead goes short to Pacheco for four yards.
Christopher Reive
3rd and 6: Mahomes finds Rice for a first-down inside 49ers territory.
Christopher Reive
2nd and 14: Mahomes to Valdez-Scantling again, this time for some yards.
Christopher Reive
1st and 10: Mahomes to Valdez-Scantling, but he goes backwards and loses yardage
Christopher Reive
4th and 1: They get it, with Mahomes running for about five yards.
Christopher Reive
Chiefs call a timeout.
Christopher Reive
3rd and 1: The don't get it and it's fourth down.
One play to stay in the game.
Christopher Reive
2nd and 8: Mahomes finds Rice for seven yards.
Christopher Reive
1st and 10 from their own 25: Pacheco runs for a couple.
Christopher Reive
An interception/fumble recovery will win it for the 49ers.
Christopher Reive
So, the Chiefs will have a chance to go the length of the field and either tie it up or win it.
FIELD GOAL IS GOOD
Christopher Reive
San Francisco take the lead again through Jake Moody. 7min22sec left on the clock.
Christopher Reive
Field goal attempt incoming.
Christopher Reive
3rd and 4: They fake to McCaffrey but the Chiefs read it well and pressure Purdy. He has to get rid of it.
Christopher Reive
2nd and 4: They go to McCaffrey again and he's hit immediately.
Christopher Reive
1st and 10 now inside the 20: McCaffrey is back and goes charging for 6 yards.
Christopher Reive
2nd and 12 after the penalty: Purdy scrambles then slings it to Juszczyk who looks like he's got a first down.
Christopher Reive
Kittle returns to the pitch
Christopher Reive
2nd and 2: McCaffrey goes out for a breather and his replacement Elijah Mitchell takes the carry.
But it's pulled back after a holding call and they'll replay the down
Christopher Reive
1st and 10: Think the 49ers play sheet right now is just 'Give the ball to McCaffrey'
Christopher Reive
2nd and 6: Huge play. Purdy gets it off to McCaffrey in close. McCaffrey gets away and goes deep into Chiefs territory.
Christopher Reive
1st and 10: McCaffrey runs into Chiefs territory
Christopher Reive
3rd and 2: Purdy to Aiyuk for a good gain.
Christopher Reive
2nd and 7: McCaffrey carries again, this time for about five.
Big loss for the 49ers as George Kittle runs up the tunnel with what looked like an arm injury.
Christopher Reive
1st and 10: McCaffrey carries for 3
Christopher Reive
3rd and 13: Purdy's throw is batted down but there's a flag on the play.
Kansas City pulled up for holding and that's an automatic first down. What a bail out call
Christopher Reive
Nothing much doing on second down and it's pressure time on Purdy.
Christopher Reive
False start against the 49ers. 5 yard penalty.
Christopher Reive
1st and 10: Purdy is almost intercepted immediately.
Christopher Reive
Because both teams get a possession doesn't necessarily mean Mahomes and co will come back on. If Kansas City get an intercept and run it back for a touchdown, that will end the game
Basic rules
Christopher Reive
Unlike the regular season, where the game ends if the first team to have the ball scores a touchdown, both teams are guaranteed a possession.
San Francisco get the ball first, having won the toss.
Christopher Reive
This is only the second Super Bowl game to go to overtime, per the ESPN broadcast.
Is it over now?
Christopher Reive
We might be to the end of four quarters, but we need to find a winner. So now, we have more football to come. We'll have another coin toss before we get back underway.
Christopher Reive
Well, not yet. There are three seconds left on the clock.
FIELD GOAL IS GOOD
Christopher Reive
Looks like we're going to overtime.
Christopher Reive
Butker comes in for the field goal attempt
Christopher Reive
Big defensive play as Mahomes looks for Kelce.
Christopher Reive
San Francisco take a timeout.
Christopher Reive
Mahomes to Kelce for a big gain!
9sec on the clock, they're inside the red zone. I think they go for one play for the TD here
Christopher Reive
16 seconds on the clock
Christopher Reive
2nd and 7: Mahomes throws it away
Christopher Reive
1st and 10: Mahomes rushes for a couple of yards.
Christopher Reive
Chiefs take a timeout.
Christopher Reive
They get it with a little checkdown pass to Jerick McKinnon. Too easy. They're in field goal range now. 39sec left.
Christopher Reive
3rd and 2 now for the Chiefs. Big play
Christopher Reive
The Chiefs are doing this easy as they get to halfway.
Christopher Reive
1st and 10: Mahomes to Gray, another quick gain.
Christopher Reive
2nd and 1: Mahomes rushing for it.
Christopher Reive
1st and 10: Mahomes to Kelce for nine.
Christopher Reive
The restart goes for a touchback. Mahomes and the Chiefs offence will take over at their own 25, needing a field goal to tie or a touchdown to win.
FIELD GOAL IS GOOD
Christopher Reive
Moody puts the 49ers ahead by 3. 1:53 left on the clock.
Christopher Reive
3rd and 4: Great defensive play - an all or nothing call on the blitz, sending in the cornerbacks to put pressure Purdy.
Christopher Reive
When they get back onto the field, the 49ers will be facing a 3rd and 4. If they get those 4 yards and move the chains again, then we'll start to see the KC timeouts being used.
If they don't get the 4 yards, Moody will come in for field goal and KC will have one last chance to clinch it.
Strap in folks.
Two-minute warning
Christopher Reive
Free timeout for the teams as we go to a commercial break.
Both teams still have two timeouts left, too.
Christopher Reive
2nd and 5: Purdy to Kittle for one yard.
Christopher Reive
1st and 10: Again to McCaffrey. A good carry for 5 yards.
Game management coming into play here with three minutes remaining.
The broadcast pans to a nervous Taylor Swift.
Christopher Reive
2nd and 1: McCaffrey carries for an easy first down.
The chains move inside Chiefs territory.
Christopher Reive
1st and 10 from around halfway: Samuel picks up 9 yards.
Christopher Reive
1st and 10: Purdy to Jennings for a good gain. Jennings out here making a play for MVP
49ers ball. Under 6 minutes remaining.
Christopher Reive
As a neutral fan, I love a huge game going down to the wire.
FIELD GOAL IS GOOD
Christopher Reive
Harrison Butker doesn't make a mistake and levels the scores.
Christopher Reive
3rd and goal: Mahomes tucks it under his wing with no one open. Field goal unit comes in
Christopher Reive
2nd and goal: Mahomes tries to buy time but no one is open. Incomplete speculator
Christopher Reive
1st and goal. Pacheco goes close.
Christopher Reive
1st and goal for the Chiefs now. Have to imagine they at least tie things here.
Christopher Reive
2nd and 10: Mahomes gets it to Justin Watson for a bug gain. KC are marching
Christopher Reive
All of a sudden Kelce has 55 yards from 6 receptions. He had 1 yard from 1 reception in the first half.
Christopher Reive
3rd and 10: Mahomes finds Kelce again for the first down and Taylor Swift loves it
Christopher Reive
2nd and 10: Mahomes tries to link up with Rice, but the receiver can't bring it in.
Christopher Reive
1st and 10: Pacheco gets nothing.
Christopher Reive
Big play to Kelce to start the drive. He shakes off the defender for a good gain of about 16.
Christopher Reive
11:30 left on the clock