Taking look back at Chiefs-49ers’ exciting 2020 Super Bowl clash

Taking look back at Chiefs-49ers’ exciting 2020 Super Bowl clash
There is a sense of a Super Bowl rematch between the 49ers and Chiefs.

When these two teams met in Miami Gardens, Florida, just four years ago, Patrick Mahomes led the Chiefs to a thrilling victory late in the fourth quarter, earning him his first Super Bowl MVP award.

A $200,000 MVP wager is placed on this player by an NFL bettor.

Since then, Kansas City has emerged as the Patriots’ contemporary counterpart to their historic dominance.

The Niners, on the other hand, have not returned to the Super Bowl since losing two straight NFC title games in 2020 and then unexpectedly missing the playoffs after that season.

But they’re back on the greatest stage of the sport after rallying to defeat the Lions last week.

What transpired in Super Bowl 2020, then?

A refresher course is provided by The Post.

The Lombardi Trophy is raised by Patrick Mahomes following Super Bowl 2020 victory. Getty Photographs
When these teams played four years ago, what transpired?

A: The Chiefs won 31–20 and claimed their first title since Super Bowl IV thanks to a 21–point fourth-quarter performance.

With Mahomes throwing two interceptions and the Chiefs finding it difficult to contain Deebo Samuel, the 49ers dominated the majority of the game. Deep into the fourth quarter, San Francisco’s lead of 20-10 held after a 1-yard touchdown run by Raheem Mostert.

However, with 7:13 remaining on a third-and-15, the Chiefs used “Jet Chip Wasp,” which led to a 44-yard Tyreek Hill reception that turned the tide of play.

Travis Kelce scored right away after that, the 49ers went three and out, and then Mahomes led another long drive—65 yards in seven plays—down the field, which resulted in a Damien Williams touchdown.

Kansas City sealed the victory with a fourth-down sack of Jimmy Garoppolo, and just for kicks, Williams scored another touchdown.

What were that one’s biggest plays?The crucial third-down pass to Hill, known as “Jet Chip Wasp,” became the most well-known and changed the course of the game.

The close call that maintained Williams’ lead score but did not confirm it was reviewed.

Tyreek Hill runs with the ball during Super Bowl 2020. Getty Images
Garoppolo’s 42-yard pass to George Kittle at the end of the first half was nullified by offensive pass interference — leading the 49ers to kneel out the clock at the end of the half and likely costing them at least three points.

Frank Clark’s fourth-down sack as the 49ers were driving to tie the game all but ended San Francisco’s chance of coming back.

Q: How similar are these teams now compared to then?

A: In terms of big names, Kansas City isn’t too different. Mahomes and Kelce are still there, as is coach Andy Reid, though Hill was traded to the Dolphins ahead of the 2022 season.

The Niners have a different quarterback, Brock Purdy, and a different running back in Christian McCaffrey, but it’s still a Kyle Shanahan offense and Samuel is still a major factor.

Defensively, Fred Warner and Nick Bosa are still big pieces for San Francisco, as is Chris Jones for the Chiefs. Four years ago, though, George Karalaftis — who leads Kansas City in sacks — was playing at Purdue.

Kyle Shanahan looks on during Super Bowl 2020. Getty Images
Niners defensive end Chase Young was at Ohio State and then the Commanders before getting traded prior to this season.

Q: The head coaches are the same. What about the coordinators?

A: Shanahan runs the 49ers’ offense himself, so that is the same.

Former Giants defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo is still in the same role for Kansas City, as well, having helped the Chiefs to the league’s second-ranked defense this season.

But the two coordinators who got most of the press headed into the game four years ago are gone. Robert Saleh was the 49ers’ defensive coordinator at the time; he just finished his third season coaching the Jets.

Former Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy changed jobs ahead of this season, moving to the same role with the Commanders.

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