49ers' Spencer Burford takes ownership for crucial pass protection breakdown in Super Bowl 58
In the aftermath of the San Francisco 49ers’ gut-wrenching Super Bowl 58 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, debate has raged about one of the key plays they did not make. The 49ers were unable to convert in overtime on third down with four yards to go from the Chiefs’ nine-yard line, settling for a […]
In the aftermath of the San Francisco 49ers’ gut-wrenching Super Bowl 58 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, debate has raged about one of the key plays they did not make.
The 49ers were unable to convert in overtime on third down with four yards to go from the Chiefs’ nine-yard line, settling for a field goal that ultimately cost them the game as Patrick Mahomes led the Chiefs down for a game-winning touchdown in response.
Quarterback Brock Purdy sailed the ball high over the head of Jauan Jennings, who looked to be open in the endzone, Purdy hurried significantly by defensive tackle Chris Jones surging through the middle as a free runner.
Jones’ presence robbed Purdy of the chance to deliver a catchable ball and the time to go through progressions and find a wide open Brandon Aiyuk in the middle of the endzone.
Who was to blame for the protection bust? Right guard Jonathan Feliciano, who left the game with an injury, sprung to the defense of right tackle Colton McKivitz on social media, before the man who replaced Feliciano, Spencer Burford, owned up to a crucial error.
“Should’ve fanned out and let the backer be the free hitter,” Burford posted in response to a tweet about the protection bust.
He then added: "Nah just tell them to chill on colt please that’s all I ask …"
Burford’s words won’t make anyone feel any better about what happened, and there’s no way of knowing if the 49ers’ defense would have stopped Mahomes had it been spotted a touchdown advantage instead of a field goal.
But it is at least admirable that Burford has held his hands up and admitted fault. He’ll hope it will be a painful but ultimately beneficial learning experience. However, his was an error that provided an emphatic illustration of the 49ers’ need to invest in the trenches, particularly on that right side of the offensive line, this offseason.
49ers’ Jauan Jennings breaks down incredible touchdown pass
It could have gone down in legend.
