In a rematch of Super Bowl LIV, in which the 49ers had given up a 10-point lead against the Chiefs in the fourth quarter, the team failed to build on an early 10-0 lead until Harrison Butker of Kansas City kicked the game-tying field goal with three seconds remaining in regulation.
The game on Sunday was the first to use the new overtime rules, which allow both teams to have control of the ball with the exception of a safety during the first drive in overtime. Under the previous rules, a touchdown on the first possession would result in the game being ended.
On the opening drive of overtime, the 49ers were only able to muster a field goal, which allowed Mahomes to march downfield and secure a third Super Bowl ring with a touchdown pass to Mecole Hardman.
“I was surprised because I was unaware of the new playoff overtime rule,” 49ers defensive lineman Arik Armstead said. “In terms of that, I really had no idea what was going on.
“They put it on the scoreboard, and everyone was like, ‘Oh, even if you score, they get a chance still’.”
