The Kansas City Chiefs defeated the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl LVIII 25-22 in an overtime victory in what would become their third championship in five consecutive years.
After receiving the opening kickoff, San Francisco quickly turned the ball over as Kansas City recovered a fumble from All-Pro selection running back Christian McCaffrey at their own 33-yard line. Following a Chiefs punt, however, San Francisco was back on offense. 49ers Quarterback Brock Purdy threw for a first down to tight end George Kittle, but it was called back due to a hold on offense by offensive tackle Trent Williams, leading to a San Francisco punt. After another punt by Kansas City, Chiefs cornerback L’Jarius Sneed defended against a key 3rd down deep pass by Purdy, forcing San Francisco to attempt a 54-yard field goal.
On the Chiefs’ next drive, running back Isaiah Pacheco fumbled in the red zone, adding to their first half struggles. In the second quarter, with 4:30 on the clock until halftime, San Francisco ran a successful trick play in which wide receiver Jauan Jennings passed to McCaffrey, who ran in for the first touchdown of the night. Kansas City was able to score a field goal before the end of the first half making the score 3-10.
In the second half of play, there was not a score until the Chiefs went up by another field goal with 5:00 left in the third quarter. At the end of the third quarter, San Francisco fumbled on a punt return, setting up Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes to score their first touchdown of the game, going up 13-10. In the 4th quarter, Brock Purdy found Jennings in the endzone, making the score 13-16 and marking Jenning’s second touchdown of the game. After both teams scored field goals twice, the game went into overtime tied at 19-19. The 49ers elected to receive, but could only muster a field goal as their drive was stopped short in the endzone. On the Chiefs’ opening drive, a reception from tight end Travis Kelce put them in a 1st and goal situation. The following play, Mahomes found wide receiver Mecole Hardman for a touchdown, ending the game with a Final/OT score of 25-22.
For his spectacular performance, Mahomes was named Super Bowl MVP. The win marks the third Super Bowl win in 5 years for Mahomes and Kansas City, indicating that the team could maintain a Super Bowl dynasty similar to the legendary Tom Brady with the New England Patriots.
