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Super Bowl 54 ended up being a classic, with the Kansas City Chiefs defeating the San Francisco 49ers 31-20 in Miami for KC’s first Super Bowl victory in five decades. Both teams made some terrific plays throughout the game, but only one could win. We’ll highlight 12 of the best here that led to such an entertaining conclusion to the 2019 season.
1. Deebo Samuel’s scramble early
One of the surprises of the game was Samuel getting so many rushing opportunities. His over/under for total rushing yards was just 13.5, but he went well over that early in the first quarter on this one. He ended up with three carries for 53 yards total.
Felt like Deebo Samuel was thinking, "If I throw it to Jimmy, he's going to get murdered, so I'm just going to run this one." #SBLIV #49ers pic.twitter.com/pixjoFPmA0
— John Breech (@johnbreech) February 2, 2020
2. A big hit on Patrick Mahomes in the first 1st quarter
The Chiefs did end up scoring a TD here, but on 3rd and 11 in the red zone Mahomes actually did pick up the first down... but the big lick from Jimmie Ward forced the Chiefs QB to fumble with the ball going out of bounds behind the marker.
Huge hit on Mahomes by Jimmie Wardpic.twitter.com/FD91EhVO79
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) February 3, 2020
But it ended up a moot point, because...
3. Wishbone-Single Wing-backup dancer spin-touchdown
On 4th and 1 with a full house backfield, the Chiefs did a full Temptations spin, split out Demarcus Robinson, and then direct-snapped it to Damien Williams. A really gutsy play-call in that spot, and it worked as the Chiefs picked up the first down on the way to a TD to finish the drive.
Chiefs or the Backstreet Boys? pic.twitter.com/MUNyqtvD8R
— rone’s gamblin corner (@_rone) February 3, 2020
4. Jimmy Garoppolo’s first interception
This is one where the 49ers starting quarterback should have probably taken the sack. But his attempt to force it downfield allowed Bashaud Breeland to step in and find a duck floating towards the sideline.
INTERCEPTION.@chiefs BOSSING IT.#SBLIV pic.twitter.com/2z7ns8tARu
— NFL UK (@NFLUK) February 3, 2020
5. Zone block slip for a TD by Kyle Juszczyk
The Niners TE looks like a blocker here, but gets out in the pattern and makes a tough run to the house.
Kyle Juszczyk ties the game with a hard fought catch and run. pic.twitter.com/U9bjagt162
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) February 3, 2020
6: Patrick Mahomes Interception
Sometimes even a Super Bowl MVP lets one slip by him. Just a really bad decision here, but he certainly made up for it later.
Patrick Mahomes threw it right to Fred Warner, horrible decision.pic.twitter.com/5OGVruKqk1
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) February 3, 2020
7. Fourth quarter interception by Tarvarius Moore
As the Chiefs were driving in the fourth quarter down two scores, a pass by Patrick Mahomes behind Tyreek Hill going over the middle bounced off the arms of his target, and Tarvarius Moore made the pick that seemed like it would start to salt the game away.
ANOTHER PICK FOR THE @49ERS DEFENSE! #GoNiners
— NFL (@NFL) February 3, 2020
: #SBLIV on FOX
: NFL app // Yahoo Sports app pic.twitter.com/cRHOmrt2AH
8. A deep shot to Tyreek Hill... with an uncalled penalty?
The Chiefs did get the ball back with enough time, and down 10 here they took a shot to speedster Tyreek Hill. But take a look here... how big was this missed hold on Nick Bosa here??
Was there holding on Bosa during the big play to Hill on that drive?pic.twitter.com/oPN1cjEktS
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) February 3, 2020
9. DPI on Tarvarius Moore
After making a terrific interception earlier, Tarvarius Moore didn’t even get close to turning around here, and the DPI led to a TD to cut the Niners lead to just three.
Big PI on the 49ers defending Kelce putting the Chiefs at 1 he then goes in for the TD Chiefs now trailing 20-17 just over 6th remaining in the 4th #SuperBowlLIV #ChiefsKingdom #GoNiners pic.twitter.com/eNXylqm2kU
— Julian Guilarte (@JulianGuilarte1) February 3, 2020
10. Sammy Watkins fade beats Richard Sherman
Richard Sherman is probably a Hall of Famer, but asking him to one-on-one with a guy that was a monster in the playoffs is probably a bit too much. Great throw from Mahomes to get it to him in the perfect spot after recognizing the mismatch.
Darrelle Revis is getting ready to make a lowlight video.pic.twitter.com/wiL3KyWklI
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) February 3, 2020
11. Damien Williams with the go-ahead TD
There was some question as to whether he stepped out, but once Williams got it over the pylon, there wasn’t anywhere near conclusive evidence, and the Niners took the lead for good. The ruling on the field stands as called.
Here is the Damien Williams go-ahead TD. His 10th career post-season TD. @fearthemecca pic.twitter.com/tT3PiB5Uxl
— Troy Hirsch (@troyhirschfox5) February 3, 2020
12. Damien Williams with the game winner
And when only the clock needed to be ran out, the Chiefs running back took it to the house to complete the comeback and give the Chiefs their first Super Bowl win in 50 years.
DAMIEN. WILLIAMS.
— NFL (@NFL) February 3, 2020
38-YARD TOUCHDOWN. #ChiefsKingdom
: #SBLIV on FOX
: NFL app // Yahoo Sports app pic.twitter.com/vfeysZKipJ