In overtime, Andy Reid’s Kansas City Chiefs defeated the San Francisco 49ers 25–22 to win Super Bowl LVIII in Las Vegas, thanks to a game-winning touchdown drive led by Patrick Mahomes. This is Mahomes’ third Super Bowl triumph in six seasons as a starter for the Chiefs.
The decisive play in the Super Bowl, named ‘Corn Dog,’ was the key to securing victory and crowning the Kansas City Chiefs as back-to-back champions. This play aimed to unravel every bit of skill and success that propelled the San Francisco 49ers through the league this season, ultimately leading to Las Vegas. Despite the challenges faced by Patrick Mahomes, the NFL’s indisputable best, he celebrated his third ring before turning 30, solidifying his path to all-time greatness while maintaining a youthful enthusiasm for the game.
Mahomes is the standout, a brilliant and gifted figure in the playground of the NFL, someone untouchable and unparalleled. At 65, Andy Reid, the Chiefs’ head coach, finds himself living vicariously through his champion quarterback, who embodies the joy and creativity of a kid playing ball. Despite the defensive strategies and adjustments made across the league to counter Mahomes, he continues to shine. Opponents resort to two-high safety formations to limit his deep plays, edge rushers refine their techniques to restrict his improvisational skills, and a somewhat error-prone group of receivers challenges him. Despite these obstacles, Mahomes once again showcases his prowess and leads his team, even in what may be considered his least impressive offensive season since entering the NFL.
Prior to the “corn dog,” Reid made the audacious choice to slip a tight end pass to Kelce below, where Mahomes’ preferred target raced over to convert on a red zone second-and-seven. Then came “corn dog,” as Mahomes rolled right and blasted past a wide-open Mecole Hardman to complete the feat and dash the hopes of the Niners once more.
Hardman lost consciousness in shock. Mahomes passed asleep on Allegiant Stadium’s grass, happy yet tired. As Chris Jones, his veteran defensive lineman, laid flat on his back, Reid bundled on top of him. More than any other, this one was significant.
Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice stated, “I don’t think Pat knows how to lose.”
Kelce exclaimed, “We’ve got the best quarterback in the league.”
Under Mahomes’ leadership, the Kansas City Chiefs secured their place as the NFL’s first repeat champions since Tom Brady’s New England Patriots achieved this feat in the 2003 and 2004 campaigns. While Brady retired with seven championships, including three in four seasons with the Patriots, Mahomes, at the age of 28, already boasts three championships and three Super Bowl MVP awards. Notably, Mahomes has visited four Super Bowls, an achievement accentuated by the fact that he reached the AFC Championship Game in each of his six years as a starter, marking an NFL first.
With Mahomes as the driving force, the Chiefs now join the elite ranks as the sixth franchise in history to secure three championships within a five-season span.
This victory stands out as Mahomes’ pinnacle moment, an improbable but perhaps not entirely unexpected triumph. Despite facing challenges and dropping four of six games between November 20 and Christmas Day, including a 20-14 defeat to the Las Vegas Raiders, the Chiefs rebounded from lowered expectations. At that point, doubts loomed regarding their ability to compete with formidable teams like the Baltimore Ravens, the San Francisco 49ers, and the resurgent Buffalo Bills.
Despite claiming an eighth consecutive division title and securing the No. 3 seed, the Kansas City Chiefs entered the postseason with less impressive offensive rankings. They stood at 15th in scoring offense, ninth overall, sixth in passing, and 19th in rushing. Notably, Mahomes experienced a career-low in passing yards per game and threw a career-high 14 interceptions. The receiving core, responsible for the most dropped catches in the league, added to the team’s challenges. However, amidst the doubts, the league seemingly overlooked that Mahomes himself was the standard.
The 49ers’ head coach, Kyle Shanahan, acknowledged the discomfort of facing elite quarterbacks like Tom Brady and Patrick Mahomes, emphasizing their status as two of the best players in the history of the game. Regardless of leads or deficits, these players remain formidable competitors.
Steve Spagnuolo’s defense took the spotlight during the regular season and continued its dominance into the postseason, shutting down opponents like Tyreek Hill and the Miami Dolphins, as well as limiting Josh Allen and containing MVP-caliber Lamar Jackson. The defense played a crucial role in the Super Bowl until Mahomes seized his moment.
Former NFL quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick, part of the Sky Sports NFL team in Las Vegas, expressed admiration for Mahomes’ greatness and highlighted the adversity the Chiefs faced throughout the season, especially towards the end. The Super Bowl showcased Mahomes’ exceptional talent and resilience.
Mahomes has had numerous defining moments in his career. The 44-yard ‘Jet Chip Wasp’ throw to Hill in Super Bowl LIV, the final 13 seconds drive to deny the Bills in the 2021 AFC Divisional Round, the injury-laden playoff campaign leading to triumph over the Philadelphia Eagles in last season’s Super Bowl – all filled with pivotal moments. In the latest Super Bowl, Mahomes orchestrated a game-winning 75-yard drive in overtime, involving two crucial fourth-and-one runs, a third-and-six conversion, and the decisive play to Hardman.
Throughout the game, alarm bells rang as San Francisco struggled to pull away, despite a more fluid first-half performance and even when Mahomes threw an interception to start the second half. Overtime saw the 49ers managing only a Jake Moody field goal, setting the stage for Mahomes to make history.
Mahomes declared, “It’s the start of one [a dynasty], we’re not done.” He emphasized the team’s youth and expressed determination to continue their success. Despite the celebration plans for the night and the upcoming parade in Kansas City, Mahomes made it clear that the Chiefs are not finished and have a young team ready to keep the momentum going.
When asked about the possibility of a three-peat, Mahomes asserted that he would “do whatever I can to be back in this game next year.” Drawing inspiration from Tom Brady, he acknowledged that once a team wins a championship and experiences the parades and receives the rings, they are no longer the champions, highlighting the continuous pursuit of excellence and success in the NFL.
In the midst of Mahomes and Kelce solidifying their places among the NFL greats, head coach Andy Reid added another Super Bowl ring to his impressive resume. This triumph came in a season where the Chiefs’ offense faced more challenges than ever before. In a critical moment during the game, Reid and Mahomes capitalized on Steve Wilks’ decision to apply pressure on Mahomes.
Mahomes spoke highly of Reid, asserting, “He’s one of the best coaches of all time. I believe he’s the best coach of all time.” Despite not having all the trophies, Mahomes expressed immense respect for other great coaches. He emphasized Reid’s ability to navigate different teams and consistently achieve success. Mahomes credited Reid for bringing out the best in him by allowing him to be himself and not forcing him to conform to someone else’s expectations. The quarterback acknowledged the pivotal role Reid has played in shaping his identity on the field.
Despite the doubters, Mahomes, Kelce, and Reid defied the odds once again. Kelce expressed unwavering confidence in their team, emphasizing having the best quarterback, offensive line, and unmatched determination. He acknowledged Mahomes’ magical abilities, highlighting the belief that they are always in the game, regardless of the score or time remaining.
The Chiefs embraced the underdog label, even if they never truly believed it, and accepted the role of villains if that’s what others wanted them to be. They shattered conventions, winning with a rebuilding offense, and showcased that Mahomes is indeed Mahomes, and the Chiefs are the Chiefs.
While Tom Brady’s seven championships seemed unassailable and unthinkable, Mahomes may never reach that number. However, the Chiefs, under Mahomes’ leadership, stand as strong contenders. The future holds the anticipation of what more they can achieve.