LAS VEGAS – Despite finishing the season without achieving their goal, the… San Francisco 49ers On the big stage they proved that they are a goldmine of talent.
They lost Super Bowl 58 to Kansas City Chiefs 25-22 on Sunday in only the second overtime game in Super Bowl history. The 49ers dominated the regular season to the point where they had a league-high nine Pro Bowlers, five of whom represent their potent offense. A few of the units have many familiar names with quarterback Brock Purdy, running back Christian McCaffrey, wide receivers Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk, left tackle Trent Williams and tight end George Kittle.
The star of San Francisco's night in Las Vegas' first Super Bowl wasn't one of them. Wide receiver Jauan Jennings became the second player in Super Bowl history to score a passing touchdown (a trick play by McCaffrey) and catch one (a throw from Purdy where he knocked off two defenders after the catch). Nick Foles also did it when the Philadelphia Eagles won Super Bowl 52.
“I was ready when my number was called,” Jennings, who was ranked as the No. 5 quarterback in the country coming out of high school, said after the game. “… It was a great feeling. … To make that play, I just think of my quarterback coach from high school. I know he's so proud right now. Man, I thought we were going to win it.”
While Purdy is known as Mr. Irrelevant because he was the last pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, Jennings was also selected in the seventh round with the 217th pick two years ago. They both showcase their talents in the big match.
Super Bowl Central: The latest Super Bowl 58 news, stats, odds, matchups and more.
“Juan is an unbelievable player,” linebacker Kyle Goscheck told the media. “He had such a big game. And I just love his mentality. He's always ready to step up and make big moves in big situations and he's a guy we can count on.”
“It's unbelievable,” McCaffrey said. “He's very talented, but he plays with a lot of heart.”
The 49ers also paid tribute to Purdy, who played in his first Super Bowl. He became a national sensation last year when he took over as the third-string quarterback and led the team to the NFC Championship. Among his fans is retired Super Bowl champion Drew Brees.
In his Super Bowl, Purdy went 23 of 38 for 255 yards and threw the touchdown to Jennings. He opened the season with five straight games without an interception and protected the ball again in the title game.
“I thought he did a great job,” Kittle said. “Just the whole game, I didn't watch tape or anything like that, but Brock looked like a natural. Handing the ball off when he needed to, putting it in tight coverage, I thought Brock had a great game.
“He was fantastic. He did whatever was necessary to win the game,” linebacker Fred Warner said. “We had a couple of chances there before the end of the game, obviously overtime to give the defense a chance to come out and finish the game and we didn't do that.”
Another aspect that can add to San Francisco's success is accountability. Like Warner taking possession of the defense allowing Patrick Mahomes to throw the game-winning ball to Mecole Hardman. The drive featured two third-down conversions and two fourth-and-1 conversions as Travis Kelce ran in and Mahomes faked a handoff to Isiah Pacheco, then rushed forward to move the chains.
McCaffrey fumbled the ball on the first drive of the game. He finished with 22 carries for 80 yards and caught all eight passes thrown to him, including Jennings' score, but the turnover stuck with him.
“Self-inflicted wounds,” he said. “You can't touch the ball in the first round, you have to get the points.”
Purdy also looked in the mirror at his own role in the loss.
“I have to be better in terms of leading guys, how to handle things in the huddle and telling them what to expect,” he said.
The 49ers have shown they can handle adversity this season. There was a period where Samuel, Williams and star linebacker Dre Greenlaw were injured. San Francisco has lost three straight games. Greenlaw injured his Achilles tendon in the Super Bowl and his absence was felt by the team.
“I was sick to my stomach,” Warner said. “I'm still sick. I see him at half-time and I cry because I feel so much pain for him.
While many players said they couldn't reflect on the season or have expectations for next year, McCaffrey said his mentality remains the same.
“I'm always excited,” he said. “Right now, it hurts, but man, this is life that sucks. Bad things happen, it's all about how you respond.”
“Food ninja. Friendly thinker. Explorer. Entrepreneur. Zombie junkie.